Make A Wish, Grandma

A Melville law firm is playing magic genie this summer, by granting the wish of one lucky senior citizen to fulfill a life-long dream.

As advocates for seniors, Genser Dubow Genser & Cona, a elder law firm located on Broadhollow Road, has granted many wishes over the past two years to those in need as part of its Senior Dreams Come True program. The non-profit organization benefits low income seniors by helping a senior meet basic needs to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Many seniors on Long Island with limited incomes are struggling to meet day to day expenses so that even a simple need or wish, which most take for granted, cannot be fulfilled, the law firm states in a press release. Genser Dubow Genser & Cona is now accepting applications for the Senior Dreams Come True program.

Last year, Senior Dreams Come True winner Jean Manheimer, was thrilled to get transportation to visit her mentally disabled daughter who resides in an upstate New York group home, about 4.5 hours from Long Island, courtesy of Legend Limos in Islandia.  Jean hadn’t seen her daughter in five years because she didn't have the means to travel there.

“Spending several hours with my daughter Janice was thrilling for me” said Jean in a statement.

“We were truly honored to grant this special wish that, while relatively simple, is so big and important to someone like Jean,” said Jennifer Cona, managing partner of Genser Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC).  “By reaching out to colleagues, we have been able to secure donations of goods and services, which has allowed us to stretch our charitable dollars to help more seniors in need and expand the Senior Dreams Come True program.”

The organization grants wishes on a revolving basis throughout the year.  Some examples of senior wishes that GDGC may grant include:

- plane fare to bring families together

- home improvements and repairs

- home modifications, such as wheelchair accessibility and chair lifts 

- experimental medical treatment not covered by insurance

- prescription drug coverage, including Medicare doughnut hole coverage

- transportation to an event or to see a loved one

- formal attire for a special event

- dinner and a show

- tickets to a sporting event

- spa services 

Applicants must be 65 or over with an income limit of no more than $1,500 per month for single individuals and $2,000 per month for a married couple. A letter or statement under 750 words describing the senior’s need must be submitted along with a Wish Request form.  Applicants should also document how they have given to others and contributed to society in some way. 

To obtain an application, go to the GDGC website: www.genserlaw.com.  All applications must be submitted by regular mail or email.

Several events are in the works to raise money to grant wishes.  Individuals can also make donations to the program by check payable to GDGC Charitable Events/Senior Dreams Come True, a 501(c)(3) charity.