... Like a week without painful treatments,
running or playing with other kids ...
or making plans for the future ...

Daily life for children with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses can all too often be about doctor’s appointments, surgeries, or seemingly-endless therapy. Their families can face enormous financial and emotional strain just providing their basic needs. It can be difficult, often impossible, for parents to provide the vital ‘extras’ they know are so important in their child’s development - the hopes and dreams that make their child’s life unique and precious.

For a child whose life often feels out of their own control, the chance to be ‘in the driver’s seat’ for their Sunshine Dream can be tremendously motivating and exciting.

Sunshine invites each child to look within themselves for their most cherished dream and then to express that dream to us in the best way that they can.

As soon as they are approved, Sunshine’s 'Dream Team' gets to work. At times it seems they can move mountains to make a child’s dream come true. An elephant in your backyard? No problem! A meeting with your favourite hockey hero? Consider it done!

Over and over again, kids tell us they feel stronger or happier after their dream. That they feel special, in a good way. The impact of a dream can extend far beyond the day or year that a child receives it.  Dreams can change a kid’s perspective, inspire them, and give them strength. Moms and dads tell us they can see these changes. Nathaniel’s mom tells us her normally shy and quiet boy came back from his dream with the confidence to really talk to his classmates:

My children believe they can go anywhere and do anything … thank you for this remarkable gift of confidence.”