Diagnosed with melanoma and a life expectancy of 6 months, 21-year-old Kellirae Cox reached out to Dream Foundation on January 27, 2023. She dreamed of attending Super Bowl LVII, an event that would commence just sixteen days later.
“Attending the Super Bowl has always been something I thought I would have time to do. Seems time is not on my side. The roar of the crowd, the cheerleaders, and the fans with all their excitement, there is no other feeling.”
Thanks to the generous support of the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles, Kellirae’s Dream did come true!
“I have no words. Everything was just…I don’t even know how to explain it. I just want to say, to everyone, thank you for making this happen and for supporting me no matter what, what I have been through, and I really appreciate you all doing that. And making my Dream come true!”
In 2023, Kyowa Kirin renewed their commitment for the seventh year. Since their initial partnership in 2017, Kyowa Kirin and Dream Foundation have brought 115 final Dreams to life. In addition to making final Dreams come true, the partnership has allowed U.S.-based Kyowa Kirin employees to be directly involved in Dream deliveries, where they meet Dream recipients and their families and celebrate their lives and final Dreams.
“At Kyowa Kirin, we strive to have a profound impact on patients’ lives. That purpose starts with the novel therapies we discover and deliver and extends into the communities we are a part of. Medical advances can help many patients live with and manage disease. But for those who face a terminal diagnosis, we are glad to offer a final chance to spend time with their loved ones, doing something very special. We believe those moments matter a great deal.” – Lauren Walrath, Vice President, Public Affairs
Since 2019, Turo has worked alongside Dream Foundation to fulfill 213 Dreams by providing comfortable, safe, and happy journeys for Dream recipients and their families like Amber, a 40-year-old wife and mother who was able to visit the happiest place on earth with her family one last time, and Dean, a 63-year-old Ohio resident who was able to explore Northern California’s Redwood trees, San Francisco’s city splendor, and the Pacific Ocean for the first and last time with his wife.
“I am honored that we get to work with Dream Foundation on such an amazing cause. Finding the perfect car can help transform a journey into a lasting memory, and I am so happy that our community can continue to help turn Dreams into a reality.” – Andre Haddad, Turo Chief Executive Officer
In 2023, Turo employees went above and beyond when they stuffed backpacks with back-to-school supplies and hosted a toy drive contributing to Dream Foundation’s Toy Program. In addition to hosting several Dream deliveries, employees also attended Trenton Coleman’s final Dream, a book signing in Tempe, Arizona.
Vietnam War U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient David Allen Chapman II dreamed of visiting the memorials in Washington, D.C.
“I have a lot of appreciation and respect for my country,” says David. “I want to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C., to honor the people I served with and anyone who has served or is currently serving for their sacrifice for this country.”
David’s service was commemorated in an intimate pinning ceremony on the morning of January 22, 2023 at the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Three Servicemen Statute, the highlight of his momentous trip. Prince Taylor, Acting Director, Veterans Affairs Center for Development and Civic Engagement presented David with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin to recognize, thank and honor David who served during the Vietnam War.
“Participating in this event was an honor for me, says Taylor. “We’re losing a lot of our Vietnam Veterans, so the opportunity to pin one was something very special.”
A strategic partnership was formalized in 2016 with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve the lives of veterans with terminal illnesses. We have worked closely together to facilitate positive events, collaborate on strategic outreach and marketing efforts with the goal to reach and serve more veterans in need, and fulfill final Dreams for veterans and their families. This partnership has been instrumental in establishing relationships with VA hospice care providers and palliative care social workers to offer resources available in addressing some of the unique needs of veterans adjusting to end-of life-care. Volunteers, social workers, and directors have been personally involved in Dream fulfillment and delivery, like Taylor, dedicating their time and resources to Dreams for Veterans’ mission.