SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, this week announced a partnership with Wish of a Lifetime, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a cultural shift on how aging is viewed in the U.S. and celebrating the passions of seniors across the country. Together, Wish of a Lifetime and SCA will fulfill the lifelong wishes of three senior citizens who have overcome challenges in their lives. Brookdale, the nation's largest operator of senior living communities and longtime Wish of a Lifetime partner and SCA customer, will support the fulfillment of two of the three wishes.

 

"SCA shares Wish of a Lifetime's commitment to enriching the lives of the elderly within our community, and enabling them to lead fulfilled lives with confidence, comfort, and dignity," said Jenny McGinley, marketing director for SCA Personal Care. "To further SCA's support for women's empowerment, we are granting the lifelong wishes of three female seniors to bring their inspirational stories to life and show that amazing women – of all ages – truly are everywhere."

In the U.S., SCA's TENA branded incontinence products are purchased mostly by women. The Sweden-based company recently launched an initiative to recognize women around the world. Amazing Women Everywhere is a global storytelling platform that honors and celebrates women who have had a positive impact on others, their communities, and their surroundings.

"We are honored to celebrate these three amazing senior women and help them celebrate their passions," said Wish of a Lifetime CEO Jillaina Wachendorf. "We aim to change the way society views and values aging, and we do this by fulfilling life-enriching wishes for seniors and sharing their inspiring stories with those of all ages. With the support of SCA and Brookdale, we're creating more opportunities to ensure these truly special wishes can come true."

The partnership kicked off on May 15, with the first wish granted to Shirley Payne, a 90-year old resident of Kingstown, R.I. An accomplished and compassionate senior and current resident of Brookdale's South Kingstown, community, Shirley's Wish of a Lifetime was to meet and sail with the women of Team SCA, the only all-female sailing team competing in the 2014-2015 professional Volvo Ocean Race, viewed as the most grueling sporting event in the world. In addition to meeting members of Team SCA, Shirley and her companion sailed around Newport Harbor while witnessing Team SCA in action competing in the in-port Pro-Am race.  Shirley celebrated her wish with several fellow residents from her Brookdale community.

"Getting Shirley back on a sailboat exemplifies that older adults continue to dream and want to connect with the things they are passionate about and add meaning to their lives," said Sara Terry, VPt of Resident and Family Engagement for Brookdale. "For each of our residents, our focus is to seek out and find opportunities to enrich their lives and honor their spirit. We're honored that we make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of seniors and their families."

Shirley's passion for sailing began as a child, and was one she passed on to her three sons, 10 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren. As the sole woman in an all-male household, Shirley led a local Mariner Girl Scout Troop and relished the chance to expose young girls to the joys of sailing. Once her sons were grown, Shirley finished her degree and embarked on a 25-year career as a librarian. She has always loved exposing younger generations to a world of knowledge—whether in the library or on the water.

This summer, two additional senior women with a similar commitment to helping others and passion for adventure, will see their wishes fulfilled through this partnership.

In the photo below, SCA teamed up with Brookdale Senior Living and Wish of a Lifetime to grant Shirley Payne's wish to meet Team SCA. Shirley enjoyed being a Team SCA VIP for the day - lunching with the team, touring the VO65, and sailing with some of the crew. From l-r are Sophie Ciszek, Libby Greenhalgh, Annie Luch, Shirley Payne, and Liz Wardly.