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Darnell "Dr. Dunk" Hillman was on two Indiana Pacer teams that won national titles during his decade as a professional basketball player.

For the past eight years, he's been making the dreams of others come true as a partner with Never Too Late wish foundation.

Representing the Pacers, he isn't dunking basketballs or winning titles, but he's doing something just as special. "Seeing all the smiles on seniors' faces," he says, is his favorite part.

That specialty was in full-court press Monday when Hillman spent some time at Glen Oaks Health Campus to make Betty Campbell's day - and her wish - come true.

Campbell, 87, is a dedicated Pacers fan from way back. It was her dream to take it to the next level. The staff and non-profit Never Too Late wish foundation, with the help of founder Bob Haverstick, made it happen.

"Some people let them down but I don't," said a beaming Campbell of being a Pacers fan. She never misses a game on TV. It was a hobby she shared with her late husband, Omer. Several members of their family were there Monday.

Hillman brought the big-time Pacers fan a huge gift bag loaded with logo-laden gear. There was a huge fluffy blanket, stuffed Boomer and Pacers bear, clock, Pacers socks, autographed posters and more. She says she "sure" will wear the new Pacers T-shirt, too.

Inspiration

Haverstick said he was inspired by the Make a Wish Foundation for children to form his organization which grants wishes of deserving seniors. He was raised in an intergenerational family and was inspired to help seniors. By May, the organization will have granted 2,000 wishes in its 10-year history.

The most unusual wish the foundation granted takes place next week. He is sending a 105-year-old woman to Texas to meet one-on-one with her hero, George Bush Sr.

Another fun scenario was sending a couple in their 80s skydiving to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary. Still another man wanted to ride a semi-tractor trailer across country and it happened.

Says Hillman, "Whatever the wishes are he makes it happen."

For Campbell, it was a day to remember. 

Monday was not the first time that Glen Oaks has partnered with Never Too Late.

When You Wish... 

According to Ann Knott, Glen Oaks' activity director, Never Too Late has granted various wishes at the campus. "Granting Never Too Late wishes is a priceless thing to do," she says. "They help the elderly share their passion of what they love in their lives. Truly, there is energy about granting a wish."

One of those wishes was granted two years ago. The foundation sent Jane Hernly and her friend Pauline on a shopping trip via limo to Elder-Beerman in the Muncie Mall, and then on to lunch at Red Lobster.

"The wonderful thing about this was the store and the restaurant were excited about Jane coming, too, and she got a complimentary makeover and lunch from both places of business," says Knott.

It was Virgil Charlton who was honored in August to take his family on a tour of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Then Freda Howe got to go to a Colts game on Nov. 1 with the foundation's help.

Wishes granted by Glen Oaks without the foundation's help include: 

    -    When Lucille Hall turned 102, staff and family sang her favorite song, "Lucille."
    -    Took Bob Burch to the race track.
    -    Helped Hubert Russell visit his friend's new home.
    -    Plans are in the works for April when staff will host a family reunion for a resident on her birthday.

The Henry County Sheriff's Department helped Glen Oaks grant a wish to make a resident the campus Chaplin. Knott says this was "a very selfless wish on the resident's part."

Knott says that the greatest thing about a Never Too Late wish is making memories and building bonds "before it's too late."

She said the residents who have been granted wishes, their friends and family members continue talking about the experiences.

Said Knott, "They are grateful that someone took the time and took action on their personal interest.

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