Help Us Bring Miles of Smiles to Seniors

The idea of Miles of Smiles for Seniors started many years ago. Way back in the 1990s, when my Aunt Sissy was in a Nursing Home after suffering a massive stroke. I then noticed that while my aunt received daily visits from her family, many residents did not. That left a lasting impression on me. In the early 2000s, my friend and I brought a karaoke speaker and microphones into a few nursing homes after choir practice. The residents’ faces would light up when they realized someone was there to see them.

The final piece of my idea was put into place during the time my mother-in-law, Joan, needed to relocate to an assisted living facility due to dementia. That was a tremendously difficult time for my family. Watching someone lose themselves to dementia is just heartbreaking. I visited Joan often and once again noticed that many seniors never received a visit. On some visits, she would let others join in our visits. Other times, she would chase them away, stating that I was there to see HER.

It was hard for my husband to watch his mother in such decline, and it was stressful for him to visit. On one occasion, though, someone brought a pony to the facility. It was like magic. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was drawn to the pony: The residents, the staff, the visitors - everyone went to the pony. I noticed residents talking amongst themselves about having horses or friends with horses when they were young. Watching so many reclaim a part of their identity when they lose so much of it daily was wonderful. My husband had a whole conversation with that pony and felt so relaxed and at ease. That was the best visit he had. His smile was genuine, and his mom could tell. She was relaxed, and they had such a great visit. That was the day I knew that if the opportunity presented itself, I would make Seniors Smile for a living. I started researching the amazing results of Animal Assisted Therapy. I found out that not only does being around the therapy animals help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, but recalling past pets during the visits also allows a person to tap into feelings of well-being that intensify the value they are receiving from the visit.

Miles of Smiles for Seniors plans on advancing new research initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy to the Elderly population. The unconditional love that therapy dogs and other therapy animals have to offer is exactly what can combat the loneliness, grief, and anxiety so many in our Senior community feel. I understand that you work hard for your money, but if you decide to donate to our cause, we will use all the money we receive to make Seniors Smile.