Pat M. was a child when she was first captivated by the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, telling her mother she wanted to “really see that thing” up close one day.
She came close a number of times, catching glimpses of the one-of-a-kind vehicle on the road. Fifteen years ago, Pat had the opportunity to have her picture taken alongside the Weinermobile during a visit to the Meijer in Standale, but she wasn’t permitted to check out the interior.
“I really want to see inside,” recalls Pat, now 81. “I want to be able to take a ride. I’ve been wanting this for years and years.”
Wish of a Lifetime recently made Pat’s long-treasured dream a reality by giving the Care Resources participant her chance to take a ride in the iconic Weinermobile. Surrounded by nearly two-dozen friends and family, Pat recently got an up-close-and-personal look at the giant traveling hot dog that brings tremendous joy wherever it goes before hopping inside for an exclusive tour of Grand Rapids.
Pat shared the experience with her two daughters, noting: “They had even more fun than I did. I can’t believe I finally got to do this!”
Pat was connected to Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of the AARP, after sharing her passion with her Care Resources social worker, Kelsey Noel. Kelsey reached out to AARP and shared Pat’s story last year, which was selected for a wish this year.
It’s just one of the many little extras that Care Resources provides to participants like Pat. As a doorway to senior independence, the nonprofit provides comprehensive services so individuals 55 and older can stay healthy and live independently.
“We utilize a holistic approach to care, creating a team who work with participants and families to develop a comprehensive plan unique to the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of each participant,” said Tom Muszynski, Care Resources chief operating officer. “Participants are at the center of all we do. We recognize the critical importance of going beyond the basics to support participants like Pat in finding moments of joy in life. It was such an honor, and so much fun, to watch Pat and her family embrace this opportunity.”
For Pat, the days leading up to the wish were like Christmas – she was so excited she was unable to sleep, and all she could think about was her big day. She thanks Kelsey for listening to her stories and taking the time to connect her with Wish of a Lifetime. She’s also appreciative of the support she receives, both at home and at the day center, from Care Resources.
“I really like it,” says Pat, who’s been a participant for nine years. “It’s all-inclusive, and I don’t have to figure out anything else. They take care of the ride, my eyes, my teeth, my ears, my heart and everything. I don’t have to figure out anything else. Care Resources does it all for me.”
Last updated 2.26.2026 I H5610_WEB
