Description
Childhood should be the most magical phase of one’s life, but for children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, this magic is easily lost. They are often left feeling discouraged, frightened, emotionally drained, stressed and depressed – uninspired to continue living. Being hospitalised for long periods of time prohibits children from having “normal” experiences that contribute to their social and emotional development.
Despite this reality, life-threatened children still have dreams, and we want to fulfil them, within the context of their loving family where appropriate.
The “Dream Event” organised by Reach for a Dream, has a significant impact on the longevity of a child’s life and ability to deal with the reality of their situation. This has much to do about realising their “dream”. Countless children have lived for months beyond their diagnosed life, having had their “dream” fulfilled.
A “Dream (Event)” organised by Reach for a Dream, normally falls into one of the following categories:
- Meeting a favoured role model or celebrity figure e.g. meeting a famous athlete or entertainer
- Going somewhere special or to see an amazing place e.g. A Ballet Theatre
- Production or visiting Table Mountain
- Experiencing the lives and behaviours associated with somebody or something e.g. to be a radio DJ, or fireman for a day,
- Experiencing something unique or rare e.g. a ride in a Ferrari, a flight in a hot air balloon
- Owning something uniquely associated with their preferences e.g. specific
dolls or a radio controlled, motorised model car.
