Meet Our 2024 Dream Kids!
You know that Golf for Kids is all about the kids. The reason we get together each year is to make a real difference to the lives of Vancouver Island children. Over the past 25 years you’ve helped us raise over $10.7 million which has directly benefited children’s charities, trusts and organizations – Thank You! In 2024 we’re hoping to fill 12 Dreams!
While some Dreams are fun like travel and meeting a favourite celebrity, and some Dreams are practical like wheelchairs and therapeutic hot tubs, all Dreams have the ability to transform the lives of children and their families during some of the most difficult times; giving a sense of hope when it is needed most. Dream experiences help improve emotional and physical health. The average cost to fill a Dream is $10,000.
Meet our 2024 Dream Kids – check back for updates!
Austin
Age: 11
Condition: Type 1 Diabetes
Dream: Gaming Computer
Austin (11), diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the end of 2023, faces the daily challenges of managing this chronic condition. His dream of having a gaming computer would give him a chance to escape into online games with friends, providing a much-needed break from the constant demands of his health. For his mom, hearing him laugh and enjoy time with friends would be a priceless relief.
“Austin, like many others with T1D, fights for his health every day. It’s a constant balancing act of insulin, food, activity, and many other factors that affect blood sugar levels. It’s a relentless burden on his young shoulders.
Having a gaming computer would give Austin the chance to play online games with his friends. Hearing him laugh and talk to his friends while playing would be a relief for me. My T1D warrior could just be a kid for a while, focusing on epic online battles instead of the constant battle with his condition.”
– Heather, Austin’s mom
Ben
Age: 19
Condition: Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Dream: NFL Game – Buffalo Bills vs LA Rams
Ben, diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at 17, endured a challenging battle with cancer, including four rounds of chemotherapy. Now 19, he dreams of attending an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and LA Rams as a way to celebrate his recovery and thank his family for their unwavering support. This experience would be a meaningful way for Ben to close a difficult chapter and honor the resilience and hope that carried him through.
“Hearing I had cancer at 17 was surreal, but it brought a strange peace by ending weeks of uncertainty. An action plan was quickly put in place, and within two hours, I was on a helicopter to Vancouver General Hospital. The treatment was brutal—four rounds of chemotherapy. I missed school, key milestones, and the Canada Summer Games with my lacrosse team. After fifteen weeks, I finished my treatment and could finally leave. I emerged stronger and more confident in my ability to face challenges. I’m excited for my next chapter: attending Limestone University in South Carolina on an athletic scholarship for lacrosse.
I am a big Buffalo Bills fan—they are my favorite team—and I would love to see them play. I would like to attend a game with my family as a way to say thank you to them for their incredible support and to let them know how much I appreciate them. I can’t think of a better way for us to celebrate the end of my challenging cancer journey.”
– Ben
Blair
Age: 18
Condition: Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy
Dream: Gaming System with Adaptive Computer Chair
Blair, an 18-year-old with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, dreams of a gaming system and adapted computer chair to enhance his independence and communication. Diagnosed at age four, Blair now has limited motor function but remains positive. Fulfilling this dream will enable him to stream games, connect with loved ones, and explore content creation, providing him with both comfort and a pathway to personal growth.
“Blair is excited about the possibility of streaming games and entertaining people. He is especially looking forward to learning about content creation and being able to sit comfortably at a computer with his new adapted chair.
A new gaming system would mean that Blair would be able to connect with friends, family, and teachers online, and it will open opportunities for him to make his own income through streaming platforms. It will be wonderful to see Blair smile and watch him grow and succeed with his future goals.”
– Jennifer, Blair’s Mom
Carrera
Age: 5
Condition: Left Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Dream: Disney World
Carrera, a brave and outgoing 5-year-old with Left Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, dreams of visiting Disney World to meet Mickey Mouse, hug his friends, and play on the beach. This trip will create joyful memories and provide a break from her medical worries, bringing lasting happiness to her and her family.
“Carrera never lets anything stop her from making her dreams come true. Her outgoing and lovable nature is contagious. She is always helping others, spreading love, and being a friend to everyone around her. Even on her tough days, worrying about doctor appointments and her tumor, Carrera remains caring and lovable.
Carrera is eagerly looking forward to meeting and hugging Mickey Mouse and his friends and playing on the beach. This Dream would bring lasting benefits, filling her days with fun and creating new memories.”
– Chanel, Carrera’s Mom
Chloe & Taeya
Ages: 7 & 19
Condition: Type 1 Diabetes
Dream: Disney World
Chloe (7) and Taeya (19) are sisters, both diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, dreaming of visiting Disney World. Chloe is excited to meet Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and ride the Slinky Dog roller coaster, while Taeya looks forward to sharing in Chloe’s joy and spending time with family. Despite their challenges, including Chloe’s recent diagnosis and their mother’s health struggles, the family is eager to create lasting memories and feel the support of their community.
“Type 1 Diabetes is forever, but so are memories. On the hard days, I hope Chloe can look back on this time and just be a kid, free from the burdens of her diagnosis. It’s been an exceptionally hard time for our family with Chloe’s diagnosis in March, my recent diagnosis with interstitial lung disease, and the passing of my dad, their Papa. But no one understands Chloe’s challenges better than Taeya. Watching them navigate this together has been both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Creating special moments with our family is something we all look forward to. Diabetes can be isolating and overwhelming, but receiving this gift would validate our struggles and lighten our load. Gratitude is powerful, and I hope my girls carry this sense of community and support with them as they face the lifelong challenges of Type 1 Diabetes.
Thank you so much for the time, consideration, and effort you put in to make opportunities like this possible – truly amazing.”
– Anna, Chloe & Taeya’s Mom
Fraser
Age: 9
Condition: Type 1 Diabetes
Dream: Kennedy Space Center
Fraser (Frey), a 9-year-old with Type 1 Diabetes, dreams of visiting the Kennedy Space Center to learn more about space and meet astronauts, with hopes of landing a rocket on Mars in the future. His trip will also include Disney World, Give Kids the World, and a water park—experiences he’s never had before. This adventure will help him manage his diabetes in new environments, build family memories, and show him that his condition won’t limit his opportunities.
“The lasting benefits for Frey include experiencing new places and learning to manage his diabetes in different environments. Although heat and activity levels can make diabetes management more challenging, this trip will show Frey that he can still enjoy life despite his condition. Plus, it will create wonderful family memories.
The effect on our family will be profound. We will have amazing memories and gain confidence in managing diabetes outside our comfort zone, ensuring that diabetes doesn’t limit Frey’s future experiences.”
– Kathryn, Fraser’s Mom
Isabel
Age: 18
Condition: Severe Seizure Disorder
Dream: Therapeutic Hot Tub
Isabel, who suffers from severe seizure disorder, scoliosis, and ataxia, dreams of a therapeutic hot tub to aid in her pain relief and water therapy.
“Isabel has several diagnoses, including scoliosis and ataxia, and water therapy helps alleviate pain, tightness, and strain from daily activities. The hot tub will offer her significant relief and joy, allowing her to enjoy the freedom and comfort of water therapy with her favorite tunes playing. We are excited to see Isabel benefit from this gift for many years to come.”
– Nicole, Isabel’s mom
J’Lynn
Age: 12
Condition: Seizure Disorder
Dream: Stair Platform Lift
J’Lynn, a 12-year-old with a seizure disorder, dreams of a stair platform lift to make it easier and safer for her family to transport her around their home. Currently, only her parents can carry her up and down the stairs, which has become difficult after her recent back surgery. The stair lift will allow J’Lynn to safely join her family for neighborhood walks and backyard play, greatly enhancing their quality of life.
“The stair platform lift will make a world of difference for our family, allowing anyone—from her twin brother to her grandparents, childcare providers, and us, her parents—to safely transport J’Lynn out of our home. For the past year and a half, my husband and I have been the only ones able to carry her without the platform lift, with about 80% of the burden falling on him. Our family looks forward to the safety and ease this lift will bring, enabling us to take J’Lynn for walks in the neighborhood and to play in our backyard.
We are incredibly grateful for the support that will provide a stair platform lift for J’Lynn, enhancing her safety and our peace of mind.”
– Michele, J’Lynn’s Mom
Kyle
Age: 13
Condition: Seizure Disorder
Dream: Disney World
At age 7, Kyle was diagnosed with missing genes that caused lifelong seizures and a range of neurodevelopmental challenges, including ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities.
Kyle is thrilled about visiting the Star Wars area at Disney World, which will bring him immense joy and create lasting memories. This experience will also strengthen his family’s bond and provide cherished moments they’ll treasure forever.
“Kyle is most excited about visiting the Star Wars area, reflecting his passion for the iconic franchise. This experience will bring him immense joy and create lifelong memories.
The lasting benefits of Kyle’s Dream will be cherished memories of Disney World, a destination he has always aspired to visit.
Witnessing Kyle’s beaming smile and seeing him have the time of his life will be heartwarming. His Dream experience will bring immense joy and unforgettable memories.”
– Katrina, Kyle’s Mom
Leila
Age: 17
Condition: Traumatic Brain Injury
Dream: Power Assist Add-on, Larger Casters and Drum Brake Assembly to be Added to Leila’s Focus CR Tilt Manual Wheelchair
Leila, a 17-year-old with a traumatic brain injury, dreams of adding a power assist, larger casters, and a drum brake assembly to her manual wheelchair. These upgrades will help her navigate uneven terrain more easily and safely, enhancing her independence. Despite her challenges, Leila loves spending time outdoors with her family and exploring new places. The improvements will allow her to enjoy more adventures and continue making cherished memories.
“Leila has faced incredible challenges since sustaining a traumatic brain injury at the age of 11. Due to her limited function in her arms and legs and being wheelchair-dependent, she relies on others for all aspects of self-care. Her condition leaves her medically fragile and in a limited responsive state.
Leila finds immense joy in spending time with family. Whether she’s soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring trails with her Hippocampe Wheelchair, or cruising around on her duet bike, these moments are precious to her. With the potential addition of new accessories and a power assist for her wheelchair, Leila is excited about the possibility of more adventures. These enhancements will make her wheelchair easier and safer to use, opening up new opportunities for exploration and joy.”
– Kairry, Leila’s Mom
Lucas
Age: 9
Condition: Focus Epilepsy
Dream: Disney World
Lucas, a 9-year-old with focal epilepsy, dreams of visiting Disney World. He’s thrilled at the idea of experiencing rides, fireworks, and meeting his favorite characters like Mickey and Donald Duck. The trip will be his first flight and a chance to capture unforgettable moments on his talker tablet to share with friends. His family is excited to see his joy and how this adventure will strengthen his bond with his older brother.
“He’s thrilled at the thought of experiencing the rides, seeing the fireworks, and going on a plane for the first time. Meeting Mickey, Donald Duck, and many other characters will bring him immense joy. If there’s a Cars ride, he might just lose his mind with excitement! His happiness will be a sight to behold.
We’ll be adding photos of the trip to Lucas’s talker tablet so he can share and show his friends all he experienced. He loves telling stories, so having these memories will be very special for him.”
– Laura, Lucas’s Mom
Nora
Age: 11
Condition: Type 1 Diabetes
Dream: Disney World
Nora (11), who has Type 1 Diabetes, dreams of visiting Disney World to see all the characters, especially Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. This trip will allow her to forget about her worries and create lasting memories.
“Nora is looking forward to meeting all the Disney characters, especially Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, and hopes to get a picture with him. This trip will allow her to experience something truly special that she might not otherwise have the chance to. As her mom, I am excited to see the joy on Nora’s face and to share this experience with her. This Dream will provide our family with a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories together.”
– Tina, Nora’s Mom
“Thank you from the depths of our hearts for funding the via mobile [wheelchair drive assist] and portable lift for our son Brayden. The motor assist has opened up all kinds of new walking paths and trails for us to explore and Brayden is so much calmer when he is outdoors! The equipment that you’ve provided for us is life changing and is providing a much greater quality of life for Brayden! Thank you so much!”
Michelle and Dave
parents of Dream child Brayden
“I am proud to be associated with Golf For Kids, filled with so many wonderful volunteers and an organizing committee who give so selflessly of themselves and do it with such joy. Working with this trusted team of dedicated, kind people, making a difference in the lives of children and empowering families in special ways is an honour.
I know that if I search for the rest of my life, I will NEVER find an event to volunteer at that will touch my heart as much as Golf for Kids has!”
Kelly Van Gylswyck
Independent Living Housing Society