Drea's Dream Factory Adventure: A Dream Story Book
How You Create Magical Moments and Long-Term Support for Manitoba Families.
If you’ve always thought of The Dream Factory as an organization that sends kids and their families on amazing adventure vacations - you’re correct. It’s absolutely true! However, did you know that, thanks to your generosity, we’re also there to support families throughout their child’s entire medical journey and beyond?
We believe that every Dream Kid and family deserves as many moments of joy and wonder as possible, especially in the face of life-threatening illness.
When a child gets sick, it’s not about a single moment or a diagnosis; it’s the start of a journey that can forever change their childhood and impact their family.
Our mission is to give back the bright spots kids and their families miss out on in waiting rooms and doctor’s offices.
Yes, those bright spots can be amazing, week-long experiences around the world. But often, it’s the little things - the small, thoughtful gestures over time, thanks to caring people like you - that truly make a difference: birthday cards, invitations to sporting events or princess parties, providing a family dinner on a difficult day, and offering financial support when families need it most.
So, we invite you to settle into a comfy chair and read the next chapter of The Dream Factory story as told through Drea’s Dream Factory Adventure.
We hope you’ll feel inspired by the wonder - and the comfort - your kindness creates for families like Drea’s.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Andrew Kussy, CFRE
Executive Director,
The Dream Factory
Once Upon A Time…
In Winnipeg, there lived a cheerful girl named Drea.
She was a spark of joy to her parents, Mandy and Mike, and the playful companion to her big brother, Nicolas, and big sister, Adriana.
Their home was always filled with laughter, especially when Drea was around. She had a knack for finding delight in the simplest things, and her giggles were contagious.
Drea loved playing Timbit hockey, and her family would often spend weekends at the local rink, cheering her on. Life was a series of happy moments, from family outings to spontaneous jokes that left everyone in stitches.
Mandy and Mike cherished these times, watching their little girl grow and thrive.
But one winter, just before the holidays, Drea started feeling unwell. It began with random bouts of sickness on the way to her hockey games. Concerned, her parents took her to the doctor, hoping it was just a minor bug. But the news they received was far from what they expected.
Drea, age 4, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour.
The news turned the family’s world upside down. Mandy felt numb, operating on autopilot, and Mike’s mind raced with questions. Nicolas and Adriana, too, found it hard to cope. Because Drea’s immune system was weak, they couldn’t visit her in the hospital and be her protective big brother and sister.
The once vibrant household was now shadowed by worry.
Mandy and Mike had to take time off work to be with Drea around the clock. Hospital parking fees, medical bills, and everyday expenses quickly piled up, making the most stressful time of their lives even more overwhelming.
Drea did her best to face each day with a smile. But she was exhausted by the unrelenting tests, needle pokes, and the ever-present doctors and nurses. She remembers lying in her hospital bed and turning to the side to create a small barrier between herself and the overwhelming number of new people in her space. It was her way of trying to find a moment of calm amidst the constant turmoil.
But One Day…
Amidst the challenges, there was another unexpected turn. This time leading them to a place of joy and comfort - The Dream Factory.
When The Dream Factory first reached out, Mandy remembers feeling overwhelmed. “I had too much on my mind to even consider the offer,” she recalled. And Drea was so sick, the idea of a special dream was hard for her to imagine.
But as the family talked with The Dream Factory, something magical started to happen. They began to feel the weight of their burdens get lighter.
It started with a special Dream Factory deliver - a gift card for a family dinner at their favourite restaurant - the first of many caring gifts that meant the world to Drea and her family. They laughed and talked, momentarily forgetting the hospital walls that had become all too familiar.
It was the beginning of a long-lasting friendship.
The Magical Dream Factory Gears You Might Not Know About…
Your kindness creates a warm and welcoming environment for families, ensuring that from the moment they engage with The Dream Factory, they feel safe and supported throughout their entire medical journey - and beyond!
Your thoughtfulness provides financial assistance to families by helping to cover the costs of parking at the hospital, gas, and groceries, additional childcare, or supplementing income lost from parents needing to leave their jobs to care for their children.
Your compassion turns little actions into big impacts by providing special experiences, such as outings to sporting events, art workshops or princess parties, treatment milestone celebrations, and other activities that create lasting memories and bring joyful smiles to children and their families.
The dream come true is the part of the adventure you know best. These special ‘big dream’ moments are as impactful for the families as they are for the kids. And they wouldn’t happen without your big heart and generosity.
Described by the kids and families as the highlight of their journey, the dream come true creates a memory so vivid and joyful that it makes the hardships fade into the background, bringing light and happiness to their lives.
“The Dream Factory learned about all of my favourite things and then turned them into moments I’ll never, ever forget - it was like real magic! I never thought I would make so many amazing memories before my dream even came true!”
- DREA
We’re thrilled to be part of this magical journey again this year.
Our team gets so much joy from knowing Drea and other Dream Kids are enjoying bright moments through their connection to The Dream Factory.
And, I can honestly say that we feel connected right along with them.
We’ve chosen to support The Dream Factory for almost a decade. And we do it for the joy.
Joy that extends far beyond a trip to Disney or a family pass to the zoo.
Joy that comes from knowing you’re helping to keep families whole.
Joy from hearing families say they feel supported and cared for.
Some families call The Dream Factory a haven. Others call it a community.
Whatever name you give it, it’s a place where love and hope flourish.
We give to The Dream Factory because we believe in the power of community. Your compassionate gift can be the light that guides a family through their darkest days. It can be the smile on a child’s face, the comfort in a parent’s heart, and the hope that tomorrow will be a little brighter.
