At the end of April, Barbara Hicks and Christine Cook were able to live a dream.

Growing up in the Carter County area, the duo attended church at Rittertown Baptist and now are residents at Signature Healthcare of Elizabethton.

Over the past eight years, the facility has been able to offer resident vacations. And for 2018, Hicks and Cook were the lucky recipients by getting the opportunity to visit Disney World.

“I just loved it,” Cook told the Elizabethton Star Wednesday. “It was something I didn’t think I would ever see at my age. I couldn’t believe it.”

Hicks seconded Cook’s sentiments. She mentioned that she wrote a list of three things she hoped to accomplish in life. Being able to knock out the chance of being on a cruise, Signature was able to help her accomplish her last two goals — go to Disney World and fly on an airplane.

“When Roberta (Campbell) told me we were going to Disney World, I was so excited,” she said. “This is something I didn’t think I’d ever get a chance to do.”

This year was the 20th vacation Signature participated in. Over the course of the trip, Hicks and Cook were joined by Signature staff — Campbell and Lisa Fulton.

While the story of the flight down garnered some chuckles from the attendees, Hicks added that one important part of the trip was meeting other Signature members from all over the United States.

“We met so many friends,” she said. “We may never see them again, but we won’t ever forget them.”

Recalling some highlights from the event, Cook shared fond moments from an experience on a Jungle Book ride that featured different animals.

“It jumped right in front of me, I thought it was going to get in my lap,” Cook said with a chuckle. “That was my excitement there. All the experiences really stood out to me.”

April’s vacation experience even garnered attention from ABC and Good Morning America. When discussing the trip, Hicks talked about her time on a simulator ride that showcased different parts of the United States.

After making a friend during the trip, Hicks talked about being on the ride and getting surprised by the different sights and sounds. But at the conclusion of the event, she was unable to find her new Disney World pal.

“When I found her, I said I’m mad at you, I hate you, but I love you,” Hicks said with a smile. “It was such a great experience overall.”

Signature is in the process of scheduling other vacations for residents. Upcoming plans include Disney World again, Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas.