Brookdale Senior Living resident Eleanor “Ellie” Ross recently got to ski again thanks to a Brookdale partnership with two-time Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom.

Bloom, also a former National Football League player, founded the nonprofit Wish of a Lifetime, which grants wishes to older adults, in 2008. He has been working with Brookdale since 2010, helping make wishes come true for more than 900 residents.

Ross had to hang up her skis six years ago after she broke her hip and damaged her knees during a ski trip. The Massachusetts woman had been skiing almost every weekend for 50 years.

Through the use of adaptive skiing, Ross hit the slopes with Bloom on the same mountain where he had learned to ski as a child. Ross’ family and friends were there to cheer them on.

“Ellie’s wish experience shows that people can do anything as they age,” Bloom said. “I want people to know that you don’t have to stop wishing, you don’t have to stop dreaming and you don’t have to stop pursuing life to the fullest as you get older.”

Ross’ advice? “Whatever you want to do, make a way to do it,” she said. “If you don’t, you’re going to regret it the rest of your life.”

Wish of a Lifetime is open to all seniors across the country. Learn how to submit a wish on the organization’s website.

Watch the video of Ross’ outing below.

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