At The Arbor Company, we believe that the best chapters of life can be written at any age. Through our Arbor Dreams program, residents are empowered to pursue meaningful goals, whether a new hobby, a cherished tradition, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
This summer, Gerda McCoy, a resident of Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, completed a journey decades in the making: she visited her 50th and final state—Rhode Island.
The journey held profound meaning. Gerda had traveled with her late husband to 49 states, but his declining health meant they could never reach the last one together. Years later, she planned to make the trip with her daughter as a cancer-beating celebration. Tragically, her daughter’s cancer returned suddenly and aggressively, and within months she passed away—leaving the Rhode Island dream unfinished once again.
This August, with the encouragement of Arbor Dreams, Engagement Director Taja Thomas, and connections made by Community Sales Director Dori Laack, Gerda finally completed her journey. The milestone was deeply meaningful and made possible by the generosity of partners. A daughter of an Arbor Terrace resident donated airline buddy passes for Gerda’s flights. Tom Riel, Senior VP of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, arranged accommodations and museum tickets courtesy of GoProvidence. Kristin McGinn donated a riverboat tour, Hemenway’s treated Gerda to a memorable meal, and Secretary of State Gregg Amore personally gave her a tour of the Rhode Island State House.
Gerda’s story is one of perseverance, love, and community support. It reminds us that dreams—no matter how long delayed or how deeply personal -- can still be fulfilled.
