BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old devoted Colorado fan, who is battling end-stage kidney failure, waited near the field in his wheelchair for the Buffaloes, including player Travis Hunter.
With each autograph signed on a football by the team members, Riley Rhoades’ face brightened with joy. Among the spectators was Jeremy Bloom, known for his contributions in fulfilling the dreams of senior citizens.
Bloom, a former wide receiver for the Colorado football team and an Olympic freestyle skier, founded the Wish of a Lifetime organization in 2008.
This foundation has successfully transformed thousands of dreams into unforgettable experiences for older adults, ranging from bringing veterans back to Normandy’s beaches to helping late authors to publish their books.
He has even hosted concerts, arranged thrilling experiences, like skydiving, and coordinated a meeting between an Olympic medalist and ex-President Barack Obama.
For Rhoades, his greatest aspiration was simply to return to Folsom Field, a place of cherished memories where he held season tickets until he stopped attending games in 2004.
Bloom expressed the importance of supporting the elderly, emphasizing that everyone likely has someone in their lives who could benefit from a little extra help.
The foundation serves as a tribute to Bloom’s grandparents and was inspired by a moment from his teenage years.
While at a World Cup skiing event in Japan, he witnessed an act of kindness when strangers made room for an elderly woman on a crowded bus, a memory that has resonated with him ever since.
His travels across Europe and Asia also reinforced the desire to bring similar appreciation and support back to the United States, culminating in the wish-granting foundation, which has been partnered with AARP since 2020.
Rhoades’s longing to be back at Folsom Field led to this emotional trip last weekend.
Having held season tickets for 27 years, he yearned to watch the Buffaloes again after following their resurgence via television.
Diagnosed a few years back with end-stage renal failure, being among over 54,000 fans as the 16th-ranked Buffaloes triumphed over Utah triggered a flood of emotions for Rhoades.
“It’s just great to be back here again,” Rhoades said, reflecting on the section in the stands where he used to sit. “It’s just … so cool.”
For Bloom, the revival of interest in the Colorado football program under Coach Deion Sanders signifies more gatherings with former teammates and community ties.
“I’ve been through many years where nobody comes to visit,” Bloom shared. “It’s fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football.”
This season, Colorado has been propelled by standout performances from quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way player Hunter, who is currently the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
Bloom is particularly delighted that current athletes can now benefit financially through name, image, and likeness deals, a stark contrast to his own experience in the NCAA, which hindered his goals due to sponsorship conflicts.
Bloom expresses gratitude for this generation of athletes, who are able to capitalize on their talents, stating, “It’s the right thing.”
His efforts continue to include facilitating wishes that include unique experiences like ballet classes, rides in Formula 1 pace cars, and flights in fighter jets.
He has also focused on reuniting families, such as organizing a gathering for three sisters over a century old who hadn’t seen one another in over a decade.
One poignant wish resonated with Bloom: A woman in Alabama, unable to travel due to advanced emphysema, had simply asked for postcards to learn more about her hometown.
In response, he received an overwhelming 2,000 postcards from 26 different nations.
“There’s no end to the things that they’ve done for us in the world,” he stated, emphasizing the value and recognition older adults deserve through his organization’s mission of fulfilling longstanding dreams.