The Dreamer - Our New Newsletter!
Dreams Continue to Come True Right Here at Home!
Childhood is full of dreams.
But what happens when a life-threatening illness makes it seem like none of those dreams will ever come true? It’s heartbreaking when an innocent child learns much too early the pain of needle pokes and surgeries and test after test after test. And it’s devastating for the parents.
Thankfully, you’re there with your generous support.
In The Dreamer, you can see stories of your generous gifts at work to bring dreams back to little hearts. You were there for the kids you’ll read about and so many more like them, making their lives and their parents’ lives better.
You’ll meet Emma, a sweet little girl who had to undergo brain surgery but now has her dream fulfilled – a backyard overflowing with flowers and magic.
You’ll meet Zachary, an outdoorsy kid with a rare syndrome. But today, Zachary has his own nature preserve right in his own backyard. That’s his dream.
You’ll meet Sophie, a sweet, little 10-year-old who had to change her dream not just once but twice, until finally her dream of having her own backyard oasis came true in the middle of a global pandemic.
Finally, you’ll meet Lincoln, a fun-loving kid whose lungs are failing. Lincoln’s dream hasn’t been realized yet. But when you read about it, you’ll marvel at how this little boy dares to dream big.
These stories show you the children’s lives that you touch and transform. Your generosity does that, and it’s truly inspiring. You prove that dreams do come true. You put that sparkle back in their eyes. You put that glee back on their faces. It’s a wonderful thing to see. These stories show you the children’s lives that you touch and transform. Your generosity does that, and it’s truly inspiring. You prove that dreams do come true.
You put that sparkle back in their eyes. You put that glee back on their faces. It’s a wonderful thing to see.
Emma’s Dream Came True Because of YOU
When Emma had to have brain surgery, it was a dark time for her and her mom and dad. But they got through it. And now her dream came true – a dream you helped make possible!
Pictured: Emma enjoying her brand new backyard!
Because of your generosity, a magical Dream Backyard has appeared at Emma’s house. She was so surprised that she giggled the whole time she was learning about it. Then the construction began, and she kept watching and wondering when it would be finished.
Now, thanks to your wonderful support, Emma’s backyard oasis is there, and she’s thrilled. “Her new backyard is a place for recovery and enjoyment,” Emma’s mom says.
There’s a swing, a fountain, pretty flowers and plants, and a deck with a ramp. “Emma loves the butterflies and flowers along the path,” her mom says. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!”
It’s the perfect place for a little girl to dream, and you made it happen with your giving. What a wonderful thing to do. Thank YOU!
Lincoln Loves Farm Work, Despite His Condition
Lincoln is a sweet, little 4-year-old boy who lives on a farm and loves it. “Every day he helps out on the farm, doing chores, feeding animals, slinging rocks, and taking care of his miniature horse, Hercules,” Lincoln’s dad says.
But Lincoln struggles with a severe form of Cystic Fibrosis. His lungs are failing. Daily physiotherapy and medication are helping, so that Lincoln can be as active as he can be. Which brings us to Lincoln’s dream.
He wants to climb into an RV with his family and go off on an adventure to explore Canada. That’s his dream. That’s what would make him happy. And wouldn’t it make you happy to help him have it? That’s what you do when you give to The Dream Factory – you make dreams come true. Like Lincoln’s.
Pictured: Lincoln’s breathing therapy helps his lungs work properly.
You’re Helping Zachary Dream BIG
Born with a genetic mutation, Zachary was 8 when doctors diagnosed his condition: Dravet Syndrome. Because of it, Zachary and his family never had a vacation. So that was his dream – a vacation in British Columbia with hiking, whale watching, and skipping rocks.
He would have had it too if the coronavirus hadn’t happened. But, no matter. Zachary just changed his dream.
Zachary loves canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming – anything outdoors. “He loves throwing rocks in the lake,” his mom says. “He could do it for hours.”
That’s why, when his dream of travel became impossible, there was only one thing to do – build him an outdoor world right in his backyard.
And soon it will be ready – an outdoor refuge where Zachary can build a fort, play with his dog, Ollie, and do it all in complete safety. And total fun. The thanks go to you. Your generous support is making this little boy very happy.
Pictured: Zachary playing outdoors - one of his favourite activities!
Dreams Do Come True, Thanks to You!
Sophie’s cancer had progressed, and what she wanted more than anying was to visit her Grandma in Japan. That dream didn’t turn out. Then another dream vanished. Then a dream came true, thanks to your caring support. Here’s what happened.
Sophie’s mom lived in Tokyo for a few years and often talked about it with Sophie. Sophie’s Grandma lives there still and hikes up Mt. Takao. Sophie’s dream was to join her one day.
Before Sophie got sick with cancer, she was an energetic 10-year-old. But once her journey with cancer started, Sophie had to endure rounds of chemo, major surgery, numerous tests, and lots of hospital visits.
Then it happened. A scan showed something ominous. Sophie’s cancer spread to her lungs. The doctors said there were no more options. There would be no more treatment. There would be no trip to Japan.
But Sophie wasn’t ready to give up yet. She simply decided to have another dream – an RV adventure with her family.
Images of a rustic cabin in British Columbia filled Sophie’s head. She dreamt of exploring ancient forests and natural wonders. What fun it would be! And how nice to be far away from the hospital and the beeping monitors. Sadly, that dream wasn’t to be, either.
Sophie’s illness made her too susceptible to infections and viruses. That, along with the coronavirus, meant that she would spend her time at home. But thankfully, your support was there. This dream came true.
Your generosity brought to life a back yard for Sophie that was right out of a storybook, and Sophie loved it. She could listen to the birds sing, enjoy the fresh air, and go camping. It was everything she dreamed it would be, and it was just the way she wanted it.
Pictured: Sophie in her Dream backyard!
Pictured: Sophie on her backyard hammock!
“Sophie was outside more for a past week than she had been for the entire year,” Sophie’s mom says. “Her friend came over, and they had a blast with slime, playing charades, eating treats, and watching Spaceballs!”
Those are the days every kid dreams about. Sophie had those days, and she had them in her very own backyard wonderland, and that’s because of your compassion for a sick child and your generosity to make a dream come true. Thank you!
Give Now to Help Parents with a Sick Child
Despite Dream Families excitement to have a dream come true, many are still struggling with the financial strain that comes along with having a sick child. Especially while also worrying about keeping their sick child safe from COVID-19. Now you can help.
Your gift for Family Funds, a small way we help give additional support for our Dream Families. This fund provides money for parents to use to help cover expenses like childcare, time off from work, hospital meals, groceries, bills, and more – whatever the family might need while they’re worrying about their child with a life-threatening illness.