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Dr. Dunk Scores with
Local Senior
Group grants wonderful wishes
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THE DOCTOR VISITS: Darnell Hillman, known as Dr. Dunk during his years with the Indiana Pacers for his electrifying slam dunks, pays a visit to Naoma Little, who recently turned 100, Friday at NorthWoods Village. The foam finger was among the birthday presents Hillman delivered as part of wish granted by the group Never Too Late. KT photo by Erik Markov |
by Tom Carey
Tribune community news editor
KOKOMO - “We certainly want to take care of our fans,” former Indiana Pacer Darnell “Dr. Dunk” Hillman told NorthWoods Village resident Naoma Little, 100. And judging by the array of birthday gifts he brought her Friday, she was well taken care of.
To keep her company while she watches games, she was given a teddy bear — clad in a Pacer shirt — which she named Stan. Hillman displayed a “Pacers Fan Parking Only” sign, which he suggested she place on her wheelchair. Among the cornucopia of Pacers gifts she received were a nightlight, blanket, clock, calendar, and an anniversary flag bearing the signatures of Larry Bird and other Pacer notables.
“We’re running out of room on this table,” Hillman told Little, looking over the gifts he brought. “You’re a special lady.” He also said it was a privilege for him to meet fans like Little.
Pleased with both her visitor and his presents, Little said “he does real well.”
The special visit came about because of the Never Too Late organization, designed to grant wishes to seniors and others. And the group’s popped up in Kokomo before, providing things like a TV station tour, special dinners and a makeover/massage package.
‘Never’ nice group
According to its Web site, nevertoolate.org, the group is designed to:
• Reach out to people in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, hospice programs and adult day care facilities — regardless of age — and help make their dreams and wishes come true.
• Honor requests from the elderly (generally 65 and over), regardless of where they reside, providing they (or one of their family members) are willing to help.
Little lived at Friendship Haven before moving to NorthWoods Village. While she was a resident at Friendship Haven, plans were made that eventually led up to the recent Hillman-Little meeting.
Friendship Haven Service Coordinator Rita Barnes said she heard of the group about two years ago. She likes the fact it can help people achieve longtime hopes, sometimes things they had given up on achieving. She’ll chat with residents to see if and how NTL can make their lives brighter.
Naoma’s big day
“She’s a very fiercely independent woman, very kind ... very articulate,” said Barnes. Little’s niece, Peggy Rush, said her aunt donned blue and white beads during the Colts’ super season. In general, “she’s happy and loving and always in a good mood. I’ve never heard her complain.
“She’s a lovely, jolly aunt.”
A South Whitley, native, Little was born March 23, 1907.
In addition to Indiana University and Pacers basketball action, Little likes turning on the tube and catching the Colts in action.
Barnes said Little once told her “it doesn’t pay to worry. Enjoy life and keep busy. Every day life is good. I enjoy every day.”
Little was supposed to meet with Hillman earlier. But circumstances delayed that meeting until recently.
Group’s made lives grander
Among other locals, NTL’s granted wishes to Friendship Haven residents. And those fortunate recipients, well, “they love it ... they’re the center of attention,” Barnes said. “They come back and they talk to all their friends about it.”
For instance, when Juanita Burgess — accompanied by friends — dropped in at the Circle City’s WISH-TV, the Kokomo woman’s entourage toured the studios, met personalities such as Dick Wolfsie, and lunched at P.F. Changs.
“I wanted a total makeover ... to be treated like a queen for a day,” said Shirley Sears. And so her dream was granted — “It was wonderful” — with a trip to Solutions Day Spa. “I had the works,” she said, including a manicure and pedicure, facial and hair style. She also dined on fruit, cheese and crackers. Before she left, she also savored a massage, especially appreciated by the arthritic woman who said she can’t afford such a luxurious day on her income.
Other local NTL beneficiaries have included:
• A 99-year-old woman — accompanied by her friends — who was given a limousine ride to her girlhood home and lunch at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
• An 80-year-old woman who was joined by her daughter on a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo.
To submit a wish request for someone, to volunteer, or make a monetary donation to help make wishes come true, contact the Never Too Late Foundation, either at www.nevertoolate.org or by phone at (317) 823-4705.
