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Causes: Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Health, Health Care, Patient & Family Support
Mission: Tom McGehee founded Dreams Come True in 1984. He learned of a teenager with cystic fibrosis who wanted to play in the TPC golf tournament. Our dream child was paired with Fred Couples. After their round of golf, Fred gave our youngster his driver. He was buried with it a year later. So, Dreams Come True began. Since that time, over 2,200 dreams have been fulfilled. Dreams Come True is unique in that 100% of all gifts from the public go directly to dreams. This is possible by Program Sponsors and Program Contributors who underwrite the administrative and program expenses with unrestricted donations.
Programs: Dreams Come True is a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams and wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Children with cancer, leukemia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, AIDS, cardiac disease, renal dysfunction, and neurological disorders that so greatly affect children's lives, all share a common bond... dreams. As children, they are physically restricted, but their dreams are endless.To be eligible, a child must be between the ages of two and a half and eighteen, have a life-threatening illness, and be referred by an attesting physician.Dreams Come True applies 100% of all contributions from the public directly and totally to the dreams of the children. This is possible by the support of Program Sponsors and Program Contributors who underwrite the limited administrative expenses of Dreams Come True. Donations from individuals, social and service organizations, schools and businesses enable Dreams Come True to fulfill dreams without city, state, or federal funds. Dreams Come True may be designated through a United Way pledge, Combined Federal Campaign and the Florida State Employees Campaign.Since 1984, over 2,200 youngsters have had their dreams fulfilled. We have brought tears of joy and smiles of happiness to so many children. Many youngsters yearn for a trip to Disney where they are feted to a six day stay at Give Kids the World. It is the perfect respite from the battles of chemotherapy and radiation, and a time to bond with family.For others, a new high-tech computer, complete with workstation and Internet access is just what is needed to give a renewed spirit for living.A trip to see a famous star or explore new worlds is the request of other youngsters. Whatever the dream, whatever the diagnosis, we know we have made a difference in a child's life- a life that may be shorter, but is richer and fuller because of Dreams Come True.