When people hear the name Dreams Come True, they often think of the life-changing dreams we have granted since 1984 for local children battling life-threatening medical conditions. They picture unforgettable trips, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the joy that comes from seeing a child’s dream become reality. While those moments are at the heart of what we do, they are only part of the story.
A child facing a serious medical condition often experiences a life filled with uncertainty. Medical treatments, doctor visits and extended hospital stays can become the norm. For parents and siblings, daily routines are disrupted, financial pressures increase and emotional stress can feel overwhelming. In the midst of these challenges, small acts of kindness can have an extraordinary impact.
What many people do not know are the countless moments in between that we create for Dreamers and their families.
They do not see the family that has spent weeks in and out of hospitals and desperately needs a night out together to reconnect. They do not see the child who lights up after receiving tickets to a favorite sporting event or concert. They do not see relief on a parent’s face when a meal arrives after a long day of medical appointments or treatments. They do not see the excitement of a birthday celebration that makes a child feel special during an otherwise difficult season.
Dreams Come True believes these moments matter just as much as the dreams themselves. In 2025, 6,703 special moments in between were created for Dreamers and their families.
This commitment to supporting families beyond dream granting is one of the reasons Dreams Come True has remained a source of hope for so many families across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. While a dream may last a few days, the journey through a life-threatening medical condition often lasts months or even years. Families need support throughout that entire journey.
Today, one of Dreams Come True’s most pressing opportunities to make a difference is helping children prepare for the upcoming school year through the annual Back to School Drive.
While summer may be in full swing, families are already focusing on the needs of their children for the upcoming school year. For families caring for a child with a serious medical condition; however, these expenses can create an additional burden at a time when resources are already stretched thin.
Dreams Come True is once again working to provide school supplies for more than 100 dream families. These supplies are more than just items on a shopping list. They represent confidence for a child returning to the classroom. They provide peace of mind for parents who are balancing medical bills and household expenses. They help ensure that every child starts the school year equipped and ready to learn alongside their peers.
We invite our community to join us in supporting these moments in between. Whether through donations of school supplies, financial contributions, or simply spreading awareness, every act of generosity helps us continue providing comfort, encouragement and hope to children and families who need it most.
Dreams are only the beginning; the moments in between are where hope grows every day.
Learn more about the Dreams Come True Back to School Drive and other moments in between by going to DreamsComeTrue.org.
