The Dreamer: Fall 2023
Your commitment to making Dreams come true is truly extraordinary.
You consistently stand with Dream Kids. You are an important part of the enchantment along the journey that transforms Dreams into reality.
And we are so grateful for your kind heart.
Because of this, I wanted to share with you a remarkable story about the journey to a Dream come true. It is part of the fall issue of ‘The Dreamer’.
This story is a great example of the impact your compassion has on children's lives. Children like Éveline.
Éveline came into the world battling from the start. Born four weeks premature, she arrived with a host of medical complications. Despite the odds, she demonstrated incredible resilience. Diagnosed with no kidney function, she was placed on dialysis almost immediately after birth. Her first three months were spent in intensive care, each day a hard-fought victory.
Against all odds, she grew stronger and began to flourish. Although she required full-time oxygen, numerous medications, and nightly dialysis, her spirit remained unbreakable. At the age of two, a chance at a better life emerged – a kidney transplant. Just before her third birthday, she received an amazing gift. A kidney from her dad.
Pictured: Éveline and her father their surgery.
And today, Éveline's life is filled with possibility. While her medical journey remains complex, she faces each day with determination and hope.
When Éveline's family was referred to The Dream Factory, they were met with compassion and understanding. They realized this Dream Community was a pillar of support, standing alongside them during their challenging times. A community that you are part of.
From providing safe outings for Éveline to offering financial assistance through Dream Family Funds, The Dream Factory became a lifeline for Éveline's family as they navigated additional medical expenses and the necessity for time off work.
These resources would not be possible without you.
This is why individuals just like you, with hearts full of empathy, become monthly donors. Your contributions are not just financial; they signify hope, support, and a shared belief in brighter tomorrows.
And this is why Éveline's mother and father became monthly donors themselves.
“We see the need and are so thankful for the support of all The Dream Factory’s resources, not just for our family but all families dealing with the changes that come with having a medically complicated child… This is why my husband Marquis and I are now monthly donors.”
- Candice, Éveline's mother.
Éveline's journey showcases the real-world impact of your generosity. By reaching out in love to children and families grappling with life-threatening illnesses, you provide them with something invaluable – the chance to dream despite their hardships, and the assurance that they're not alone in their journey.
And that is why we are inviting you to join our community of monthly donors, today.
Your small monthly gift has the power to create a profound impact. Ongoing support helps illuminate the path for families during their darkest days, providing them with the light of a Dream to look forward to. It's a reminder that an entire community stands with them, cheering them on as they navigate challenges and celebrate victories.
Thank you for being the guiding light for families like Éveline's. Your kindness, care, and unwavering support have created miracles.
Andrew Kussy
Executive Director, The Dream Factory
Farewell, Summer 2023!
This summer was non-stop at The Dream Factory - because of generous folks just like you! Many members of our Dream Community hosted events and fundraisers to help bring more Dreams to life - and we could not be more grateful! In July, our friends Gary and Marsha hosted Dream Ride in Clear Lake, a cycling and walking event in support of Dreams Kids Kendall and Cain. This is their 4th year hosting and it was their biggest, best year yet!
Gary, Marsha, and their entire community hosted a variety of initiatives including a spin-a-thon, a community baseball game, and a BBQ! These hard-working riders and walkers came together to raise over $50,000 to help bring Kendall and Cain's Dreams to life!
We are so grateful for the generosity of each participant and supporter and cannot wait for 2024!
Meet Mia + Avery - Two wonderful young ladies with big hearts!
Mia has a special connection to The Dream Factory - her best friend is Dream Kid Hazel! Mia was so happy for her friend when she went on her Dream Trip last year - Hazel even brought back Mia’s birthday present from her Dream Trip. So this year for her birthday, Mia decided she didn’t want presents - she asked for donations to The Dream Factory! This young fundraiser raised over $650 to help more kids like Hazel who are going through a very difficult time. Thank you for your kindness, Mia!
Avery came down to the office to donate proceeds from her marvelous lemonade stand! Avery set up shop and sold lemonade and cookies outside her house, drawing in family, friends, and neighbours for a quick refreshment. Thank you for all your hard work in support of Dream Kids, Avery!
We are so grateful for the kindness of these two young philanthropists!
If you or someone you know would like to join Mia and Avery by fundraising in your community, give Karly a call at 204-989-4010 or email her at karly@thedreamfactory.ca!
The Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide is Back on October 1st!
We are so excited to share that the Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide is back for 2024 and is full of amazing deals and promotions for restaurants in our province! Not only does your purchase of the guide give you access to exclusive deals and some of your favourite restaurants, your purchase will support Dream Kids too! Visit our website - www.thedreamfactory.ca - to get your hands on one on October 1st!
Meet Chad - His Dream will blow you away!
Chad is a typical 13-year-old—he's funny, enjoys science, and loves riding his bike.
But what you wouldn't know is that Chad has been through more than most teenagers. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma after doctors investigated a lump in his neck.
Surgery was the best option and on the day of his 11th birthday, he woke up cancer free! But, after a checkup a while later, doctors found that his cancer was back... and worse than before. Chad went through six rounds of treatment with four hospital stays.
“Chad handled this whole experience amazingly,” his mom told us. “Of course, he’s had some hard moments, but for the most part he just accepted that this is happening. His outlook is, ‘okay, I have cancer now. What’s next?’'
He always had a Dream to visit the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. And because of the generosity of caring people like you, his Dream will come true!
Thank you for making dreams come true for children just like Chad.
Dream Kid Chad and his sister Eliza at a recent Dream Factory fundraiser.