Meet 79-year-old Clyde Leighton

Clyde’s life has been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and service. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, he grew up in a family shaped by hardship. His father, wounded on D-Day, and his mother, an English war bride, raised Clyde and his siblings with strength and determination.

Clyde served as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam, enduring the hardships of war with quiet courage. Later, he built a life with his wife Carole, raising two sons and sharing a passion for ballroom dancing, even as he faced chronic pain, surgeries, and vision loss.

His greatest wish was to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the friends he lost in battle. With Carole by his side, Clyde placed a photograph of his platoon at the wall, a profoundly emotional moment of remembrance, closure, and connection. This experience reminded everyone that the stories of our veterans matter, and that even decades later, honoring their service can bring healing and peace.

Meet 79-year-old Leslie Bartha

Les grew up on a tobacco farm in Rodney, Ontario, the youngest of five children, learning hard work, family, and resilience. His love of flying began with the London Flight Club, where he completed 12 of 13 lessons toward his pilot’s license before life got in the way.

After a stroke in 2021, Les faced new challenges, but he regained independence and adapted to a new way of life.

Recently, he returned to the skies in a Cessna, taking the controls once more. With steady hands and a grateful heart, Leslie finally got his wings, fulfilling a dream that had waited decades.

Meet 88-year-old Norma Cox

Norma has spent her life in Bramber, Nova Scotia, surrounded by the beauty of the New Minas Basin and the close-knit community she loves. She has faced profound loss, including her parents, husband, daughter, and sister, as well as health challenges that have limited her mobility. Yet she has always found strength in her memories, her faith, and her connection to the land.

Her wish was simple but deeply meaningful: to see the New Minas Basin from the sky. For Norma, it was a homecoming, a new perspective on a lifetime of cherished memories. Since that flight, she has shared her experience with friends, family, and her community, inspiring everyone with her joy and resilience.

Norma’s story reminds us that every life is full of stories worth celebrating, and that moments of wonder can lift the heart at any age.

Meet 89-year-old Jack White

Jack has been a Toronto Maple Leafs fan for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Monastery, Nova Scotia, as one of ten children, life was tough and money was scarce. Sports became his joy, and later in Ontario, he passed that love on to his children while building a career and even opening his own sporting goods shop.

Life brought deep hardships. Jack suffered a serious injury, lost his son and grandson, and said goodbye to his wife of 50 years. He has fought multiple cancers, yet he remains the steady rock of his family, always putting others first.

Now, with his world quieter and his days spent watching hockey from his chair, Jack dreams of seeing the Leafs play live for the very first time. For him, it would mean more than a game. It would be a reminder that he is not forgotten and that joy and dreams have no age limit.

Meet 73-year-old Marge Debodt

Marge’s life has been defined by resilience, love, and music. A devoted single mom of three and later the leader of Nova Scotia’s Restorative Justice Program, she faced her greatest challenge in 2020 when a brain tumor left her in hospice, where doctors doubted she’d survive. With her husband Barry by her side, she fought back, finding comfort and connection through song when her speech began to fade.

After years of hospitals, rehab, and long days in care, Marge longed for something simple but profound: the joy of live music. On March 20th, her wish came true at a Neil Diamond tribute concert. With Barry at her side, she soaked in every note, every light, every moment. For Marge, it wasn’t just a concert—it was freedom, joy, and proof that she’s not just surviving, but still truly living.

Meet 73-year-old Elwood MacDonald

A lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs superfan, Elwood likes to joke he was “born in a Leafs jersey.” Despite never playing organized hockey, his devotion to the team never wavered even if family tradition insisted he never watch overtime, certain he brought bad luck.

Life in Trenton, Pictou County, was modest, but Elwood’s grit carried him through decades of hard work at Trenton Works, painting houses, and lobster fishing to provide for his family. In later years, vision loss and limited mobility left him increasingly housebound, isolated in his seniors’ apartment.

That all changed when his dream of seeing the Leafs live finally came true. From boarding his first commercial flight to cheering in the arena, Elwood embraced every moment. When the game went into overtime, his daughter braced for his old superstition, but this time, he stayed. The Leafs won.

For Elwood, the trip was about more than hockey. It reminded him that life isn’t over, that he still matters, and that joy is always worth chasing. Now, he’s setting his sights on living to 100, with more adventures along the way.

Meet 90-year-old Herb Townsend

A lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, Herb spent decades dreaming of seeing his beloved team play in person. Growing up in Lockeport, Nova Scotia, he learned early the values of hard work and responsibility—lessons that carried him through a 30-year military career and into a life of service to others.

Today, Herb faces his own health challenges while caring for his wife who is living with Alzheimer’s. Yet his spirit remains unshakable. When the chance finally came to travel to Montreal, Herb rose from his sickbed with determination, refusing a walker or wheelchair, and embraced every moment of the experience.

For a man who has spent most of his life giving to others, this trip was a rare chance to focus on himself. Standing outside the Bell Centre, smiling beside statues of the hockey legends he grew up admiring, Herb’s lifelong dream became reality—a reminder that joy, strength, and hope know no age limit.

Meet Ferne Edgecombe, 101 years young. Ferne’s wish was simple but powerful—to see Stars on Ice live and meet her skating hero, Elvis Stojko.

Born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Ferne grew up skating in borrowed skates and homemade outfits, falling in love with the ice from a young age. Through decades of moves, motherhood, and loss, her love for skating never faded.

After recovering from two strokes—her most recent in 2024—Ferne held onto one dream: to feel the magic of Stars on Ice in person.

In March 2025, that dream came true. She traveled to St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she watched the show she’s adored for years and met Elvis Stojko face to face. For Ferne, this wasn’t just about a performance—it was a celebration of a lifelong passion that’s endured for over a century.

Meet Marion Rhyno, 84. For over 75 years, Marion held onto one dream—visiting the Grand Ole Opry.

A lifelong lover of country music, Marion found comfort in the voices of Dolly Parton, Hank Snow, and Charley Pride through life’s hardest moments. She raised four children through hardship and sacrifice, often putting her own dreams aside to care for her family.

Now, with the support of her granddaughter Amanda and We Are Young, Marion’s lifelong wish finally came true. She traveled to Nashville, stood in the Ryman Auditorium, and took her seat at the Grand Ole Opry—tears in her eyes as the music filled the room. “It will be with me forever,” she said.

Meet Janet Bertrand, 78. Janet has spent her life working hard, raising a family, and caring for others. But one dream always lingered—riding on the back of a motorcycle.

After a life of service and heartbreak, including the loss of her daughter, Janet now lives in a seniors’ residence where her days are quiet. But when she shared her dream with a friend, everything changed.

On October 10, 2024, with the help of Shane MacDougall and his crew, Janet’s wish came true. As engines roared, she climbed aboard and took off down the road—smiling, free, and full of joy. As the road stretched ahead, Janet felt something she hadn’t in years—pure exhilaration. For those precious moments, she wasn’t just a senior in an apartment—she was free. When she returned, her excitement was unmistakable. She couldn’t stop talking about the ride, calling family and sharing her joy with anyone who would listen.

Meet Sheila Kelly, 76. Sheila has always dreamed of soaring through the sky. A devoted mother and proud grandmother, she put that dream on hold while raising her family and working hard to make ends meet. Now, at 76—and despite recent hip and cataract surgeries—Sheila finally got her chance to take flight. With her husband, David, cheering her on, she climbed into the co-pilot’s seat at Debert Flight Centre. Guided by pilot Judson Moore, Sheila soared over Halifax, catching glimpses of her grandchildren’s home and Peggy’s Cove. She even took the controls herself. Beaming with pride, she later texted, “I’m still high… pun intended.” Sheila’s flight wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a bold reminder to her grandkids, and all of us, that it’s never too late to fly toward something that lights you up.

Meet Seldon Fahie, 83. As the eldest of nine, Seldon carried responsibility early on—values that carried him through a career with the Coast Guard, traveling the Arctic, the St. Lawrence, and beyond. His work kept him away for long stretches, but it helped build a life with his wife, Linda. One place always remained just out of reach: Sable Island. Though he once helped send equipment there, he never stepped foot on its sands. Stories from a close friend who had worked there ignited a quiet dream. Now retired and having faced illness and depression, Seldon finally made that dream a reality. This September, he walked the island’s shores in honor of his friend—and himself.

Meet Marg Sullivan, 81. Marg grew up as one of twelve children, raised by a resilient Cree mother who taught her to “find a way.” That mindset stayed with her through life’s challenges—from overcoming a learning disability to becoming a dedicated nurse, to caring for her husband through Alzheimer’s, to facing cancer and a knee replacement. Through it all, Marg held onto one lifelong dream: visiting Sable Island. This past September, that dream came true. She finally stepped onto the island she had envisioned for decades—feeling the Atlantic wind on her face and the waves at her feet. Marg’s story reminds us that aging doesn’t mean giving up on what sets your soul on fire. At We Are Young, we believe dreams don’t expire—and neither does the spirit of adventure.

Meet Sandra, 80 years young, who has spent most of her life on Prince Edward Island. While her roots run deep in the vibrant soil of her homeland, she has always harbored a dream—to explore the island from tip to tip. Despite calling this beautiful place home, Sandra has never had the chance to fully discover its wonders. A dedicated nurse and mother, Sandra has faced many challenges, including caring for her husband through his battle with cancer. Now, at a stage where she hopes to pursue her own dreams, Sandra finds it difficult to drive and faces numerous health challenges that made fulfilling her dream impossible. Recognizing Sandra’s lifelong dedication, we reached out to Pauley Charter and Adventure Tours to help make this wish come true where Sandra embarked on a memorable journey!

Joan Boutilier, 81, has always been a pillar of her community, known for her selflessness and deep love for her family. But there’s one wish she’s held close to her heart for years: to meet Canadian musician Alan Doyle. A lifelong fan, Joan's dream came true this summer, when she had the chance to meet Alan at the Shore Club in Hubbards, Nova Scotia. In a heartwarming moment, Joan shared her admiration for his music, and Alan’s kindness made the encounter even more special. For Joan, this was a dream come true—a moment that will stay with her forever.

Meet Anna, a spirited 71-year-old from the We'koqma'q First Nation, whose lifelong wish has been to meet her stepson, Mark. For over 15 years, she and her late partner, Alfred, searched for him, but their efforts ended tragically when Alfred passed away in 2014. After discovering that Mark had been seeking his father as well, they connected online, sharing the bittersweet news of Alfred's passing and igniting hope for the future. With support from We Are Young, Anna took her first flight to British Columbia to finally meet Mark and his family, fulfilling a dream that brought her joy and renewed purpose.

Meet Ruby, 85, who has always dreamed of visiting a lighthouse. In 1965, while living in Newfoundland, Ruby caught glimpses of lighthouses but never had the chance to explore one up close. Raising four children and supporting her husband kept her busy, leaving little time for her own dreams. Ruby’s dream resurfaced during a conversation with her daughter, Jasmin. She shared her wish to stand atop a lighthouse and take in the view. Jasmin, determined to make it happen, reached out to We Are Young for help. Kincardine, on the shores of Lake Huron, became the perfect place. The lighthouse’s white exterior with a red roof mirrored Ruby’s vision. Despite arthritic knees, Ruby was determined to climb the steps, savouring every moment.

Meet Garry Alderdice, 79, a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety professional who spent his career implementing workplace safety across Atlantic Canada. For over 30 years, Garry cherished time at his fishing camp on Tangier Grand Lake with his two fishing buddies, Earl and Michael. However, health struggles over the years have kept him from being able to access his favorite spot, dimming his once-bright spirit. Garry’s heartfelt wish was to fly over his fishing camp one last time with his friends. Thanks to Vision Air, his wish came true, reigniting his joy and resilience. In Garry's words, "We Are Young has given me a ‘Lift on Life,’ reminding me to live fully every day.

Meet Dorothy King, a spirited 78-year-old from Nova Scotia, whose lifelong dream has always been to see the Canadian Equestrian Team jump at Spruce Meadows. This wish is intertwined with cherished memories of watching the events with her mother on TV, whom she cared for as a young adult. After the passing of her close friend Blanche, who had plans to celebrate her 100th birthday with a helicopter ride, Dorothy felt an urgent call to pursue her own dreams. Through the support of We Are Young and Spruce Meadows, Dorothy's wish was fulfilled, allowing her to witness the North American Tournament and meet the equestrian team. As she sat in the stands, tears of joy filled her eyes, knowing this moment honored her mother’s memory and marked the realization of a long-held dream. This experience has profoundly transformed Dorothy, renewing her spirit and reminding her that it’s never too late to embrace life’s possibilities.

Meet Audrey Parker, 90, from Uxbridge, Ontario, who recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of exploring Nova Scotia. Growing up with mustard sandwiches and a challenging home life, Audrey found escape in ballet. At just 11, she persuaded a local studio owner to let her take ballet classes in exchange for cleaning, igniting a passion that would lead her to become a ballerina with the Toronto Ballet School. Her Nova Scotia journey included seeing the Atlantic for the first time and attending the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo—a tribute to her family's Air Force legacy.