Thomas Rollerson

Thomas Rollerson, Founder of Flower Empower

Thomas Rollerson is the founder of Flower Empower, a volunteer-driven program that delivers fresh flower bouquets, handmade cards, and cookies to those in the Santa Barbara community facing illness, loss or recovery.14 He founded Flower Empower as part of the Dream Foundation, a national wish-granting organization for adults with terminal illnesses that he established in 1994.23

Rollerson started the Dream Foundation to honor his partner Timothy Scott Palmer, who was diagnosed with a catastrophic illness in 1993.2 Through Palmer's illness and death, Rollerson discovered that no organizations existed to honor the final wishes of adults, only children.2 Since its inception, the Dream Foundation has granted thousands of dreams to adults with a life expectancy of six months or less.2

In addition to founding the Dream Foundation and Flower Empower, Rollerson also started the Toy Program in 1997, which provides toys to children across the country whose parents are Dream Foundation recipients.2 He served as the Dream Foundation's Executive Director until his retirement five months ago in 2014.6

Rollerson is known for his advocacy work, charisma, endless energy and passion for the causes he believes in.5 He currently resides in Santa Barbara County, California.5