“Dreams Do Come True!” Elder Couple Celebrates 60th Wedding Anniversary at Walt Disney World
Resort. We felt the Crisps deserved to see ‘The Most Magical Place On Earth.’”
– Imagine celebrating your diamond wedding anniversary with hundreds on Main Street U.S.A at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. For 84-year-old Donald Crisp, and his wife, 81-year-old Christine Crisp, both residents at Riverview Health Care in Prestonsburg, Ky., the fantasy recently became a reality. Following a surprise 60th wedding anniversary party planned by Riverview staff on Aug. 25, the facility gifted the Crisps with a fully paid trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 7-10, courtesy of Signature HealthCARE’s Elder Vacation program. “For many people, an annual vacation is something they may take for granted. For our residents, a vacation is something they may not take at all,” said Angie McAllister, director of quality of life and culture change for Signature HealthCARE. “We want our Elder Vacation program to fulfill our residents’ dreams, giving them experiences of a lifetime and helping them not only exist but thrive. We are grateful for the fundraising at each facility, which makes the trips possible.” Prior to becoming Riverview residents, the Crisps traveled across the country. Donald Crisp preached at churches in more than 15 states. In mid-2016, Christine Crisp was admitted to Riverview following a broken hip, and then Donald Crisp joined her only
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two weeks later following a fall and an injury to his head. Now, they are roommates at the center. The couple is actively involved at Riverview. At mealtimes, they can be found together at the café, conversing among themselves and their fellow residents. Other times, they can be found singing with the choir or attending church services. Donald has even preached a few times at the center. “In addition to the Crisps celebrating a milestone anniversary, we chose the couple to participate in the Elder Vacation program because they inspire others,” said Phillip Ramey, director of spirituality at Riverview. “Plus, though they traveled to many places, they never visited the Walt Disney World
week.
The Crisps joined a group of about 100 young-atheart elders from Kentucky and Tennessee Signature HealthCARE facilities at the Walt Disney World Resort for an action-packed and a memory-making
“I never dreamed in a million years we would live in a nursing home,” said Christine Crisp, “and I sure never dreamed that nursing home would take us to Walt Disney World!” Perhaps, the most memorable moment of the trip for the Crisps was when they exchanged a kiss in front of Cinderella Castle on Main Street, U.S.A. Donald Crisp sported Mickey Mouse groom ears and Christine Crisp donned Minnie Mouse bride ears. Hundreds of people stopped, gathered and cheered for them. “I witnessed the beauty of love in
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