our latest 10 dreams granted!

Luke Experiences northern lights

The Northern Lights are a rare phenomenon in Memphis, but not in Alaska.  When we visited with Luke to talk about his Dream, it was apparent that he wanted to witness the aurora borealis in Alaska.  Luke, from Drummonds, TN, is diagnosed with nemaline myopathy, a rare neuromuscular disorder.  Like many kids his age, Luke loves pizza, to play Call of Duty, but he also loves to draw.

On December 27, 2024, Luke, mom and dad, took off for Anchorage.  Once arriving, he was the guest of Uma Bhatt and David Newman at the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute for a lesson on the aurora.  Later that night, he went on an excursion to view them.  In addition, he was able to try his luck at ice fishing, snowmobiling and dog mushing.

Luke’s Dream was sponsored by the proceeds from our Pickleball Tournament and a generous donation from the Bartlett Reserve Firefighters from their Annual Pancake Breakfast.  We want to thank Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service (discounted excursions), Alaskan Element (cold weather gear), and Next Day Access (use of a travel wheelchair).  Thanks to his dream managers, Margo and Brian Juengling for organizing his Dream Trip.

Melanie's halloween disney dream

Everyone loves the magic of Disney World and the excitement of visiting Orlando Theme Parks.  That is exactly what Melanie from West Memphis, AR dreamed of except she wanted to be there during Halloween.  Melanie, a 14-year-old diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, loves to write poetry, watch Harry Potter movies and The Vampire Diaries on TV…thus her desire to go on Halloween.

On October 26th, Melanie and her family boarded a flight to Orlando for a 6-night/7-day trip of a lifetime.  Her stay was hosted by Give Kids the World, our wish granting partner in Kissimmee.  She was able to visit the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and other parks.

We want to thank Brendon Plumpton and the ProTank team (Olive Branch, MS) for sponsoring Melanie’s Dream Trip.  Protank has sponsored a local child’s dream annually since 2021.  Also, thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Katie & Tyler Grady for managing Melanie’s Dream.

Sun, surf, sand, l.a., and of course jordyn

Jordyn is a 17-year-old from Memphis TN diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease resulting in her being legally blind.  Jordyn, like many teens, enjoys chocolate, making tik-toks, and being on the phone, but most of all, she loves the beach.

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Jordyn and her grandparents boarded a flight to Los Angeles.  They stayed at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach.  This Hilton Hotel went out of their way to make her stay so special, even welcoming her with a treat basket.  She spent time on the beach and took a day to see Los Angeles sites.

Our special thanks to the Happy Mexican Restaurant (Primacy Parkway) and the Waterfront Beach Resort for their generosity.  Thanks to all our Dream Factory volunteers who gathered with Jordyn at the Happy Mexican for her sendoff party…Marybeth Connor, Katie and Tyler Grady, Jerry Groh, & Brian and Margo Juengling,

CASE MEETS THE SAVANNAH BANANAS

Case is a 13-year-old from Atoka, TN diagnosed with CAPS (Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome) which is a rare autoimmune & clotting disease).  Like most young boys, he loves baseball.  When asked what his dream was, he responded “attend a Savannah Bananas baseball game”.

The Dream Factory volunteers started working to make his dream happen.  the Savannah Bananas home games are always sold out and in fact, 2025 season is sold out and there is a LONG WAIT LIST for future years. After numerous phone calls and connections, we were able to make Case’s Dream come true.  He was able to have a private meet/greet session not only with the Savannah Bananas entire team, but also the entire opponent team called the Party Animals.  As you can see in the photos above, he received a Bananas jersey, glove and autographed baseball.  He also had one on one time with a several of his favorite team members Vincent Chapman (the Dancing Umpire,), Robert Anthony (Coach Rac), Austin Kreminski (Krzmonster), Malachi Mitchell (Flash Tha Kid) and Reggie Horton (Assistant Coach).

Case’s dream was sponsored by a donation from The Patrick Cooper Davis Memorial Fund.  Our special thanks to the entire organization of the Savannah Bananas and Debbie Keith for helping make his dream come true.  A call out to our Dream Factory Volunteers Karen Knight, Dianne West & Cathy Robertson.

trinity visits the big apple

If you ask Trinity what her favorite hobby is, she will quickly tell you traveling.  Trinity is an 18-year-old from Southaven, MS who is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  She is enrolled this fall at the University of Memphis.  Her Dream choice fell right in line with her hobby, a trip to New York City to tour the city and to see a Broadway play, particularly The Great Gatsby. 

On July 17, 2024, Trinity, her mom and a special family friend boarded a flight to LaGuardia for a 4-day/3-night Dream Trip to the Big Apple.  She was treated like royalty when she arrived at the JW Marriott Essex House staying in a beautiful suite with some special treats when she got to her room.    Her magical trip did not end there.  Trinity was delighted to see The Great Gatsby at The Broadway Theatre, having wonderful seats and getting to meet the show’s cast.

Trinity’s Dream Trip was sponsored through a generous donation by the BlueScope Foundation.  We also want to thank JW Marriott Essex House and The Broadway Theatre for their generous donations making Trinity’s Dream one she will never forget.  Our volunteers Janice Holland and Cathy Robertson were her Dream Managers and worked tirelessly to make her Dream Come True!

Here is a note we received from Trinity that we want to share with you…

Branson cuts the ribbon to his cabin

Branson is a 10-year-old from Munford, TN diagnosed with Fabry’s Disease. It is a rare inherited disorder. When not at school and studying, Branson likes to ride his bike, listen to Jelly Roll, watch football and cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies.  When we asked Branson about his dream, he gave it some serious thought. Finally, he decided on a backyard cabin of his very own. A place to hang out with his family and friends. A place to just be a kid.

On May 10, 2024, Branson’s long wait was over when he was presented with his Backyard Cabin Dream.   His Dream was sponsored by the Collierville Ski Club with proceeds raised at the 2024 Ski Freeze.   This dream was extraordinary because of the generosity of so many folks in Tipton County and beyond who donated their time, talents, and materials to make it all come together.  The South Tipton County Chamber of Commerce played a huge role helping us make connections with area companies, plus they gave Branson a gift card to spend on his cabin.

Our special thanks to Central Baptist Church Men’s Group, Maximus Building Materials (Brighton), Memphis Grizzlies, Mr. Electric of Tipton County (Atoka), Royal Furniture (Memphis), Service Partner (Horn Lake), Sherwin Williams Paint (Millington), and South Tipton County Chamber of Commerce (Munford).  Also, thanks to these Dream Factory volunteers for their help Jerry Groh, Jerry Johnson, Brian & Margo Juengling, Cathy Robertson, and Brad & Dianne West.

Juan's gaming computer dream comes true

Juan, a 14-year-old from Southaven, MS, loves playing computer games and is a HUGE fan of Manchester City Soccer.  He is diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, severe dextroscoliosis and restrictive lung disease. 

Juan dreamed of a gaming computer, desk, and gaming chair.  He picked out exactly what he wanted, which included a gaming chair with a footrest.

On Saturday, February 17, 2024, eight Dream Factory volunteers when to work getting everything set up, while he was gone with his brother Hector.  Juan was so surprised to come home to see his new computer gear and a few Manchester City Soccer souvenirs.  His family and friends were all there to make it extra special. 

Juan’s Dream was sponsored through a generous donation from Protank in Olive Branch, MS.  Also, thank you to Olive Garden in Southaven, MS for donated his favorite Italian dishes for a Dream Party afterwards.  We want to thank his Dream Managers Chelsea Connor, Alex East, Tyler & Katie Grady, plus volunteers Brian & Margo Juengling, Cathy Robertson, Dianne West, and Josue Vega for making his Dream Come True.

kavius loves his gaming computer room

Kavius is an 11-year-old from Memphis, TN who loves art, drawing, building things, and playing computer games.  He is diagnosed with Achondroplasia Dwarfism, a type of bone growth disorder.  When we asked Kavius about his Dream choice, he didn’t just tell us, he drew a picture of just how he wanted his computer gaming room to look.

After carefully selecting each item for him, Dream Factory volunteers went to Kavius’ home to set up his room while he was at school.  Upon returning home on September 28, 2023, Kavius entered his bedroom to find it just as he had dreamed.  A high-speed gaming computer, desk & chair, art supplies, and even a new bed with a headboard that lights up.  Afterwards, a pizza party celebrated his Dream Reveal with his family and our volunteers.

Kavius’ Dream was made possible by a generous donation made by Ms. Cornell Franklin.  Also, thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Alex East, Jerry Groh, and Jerry Johnson from managing Kavius’ Dream and making his Dream Come True.

RaeLynn Visits Disney World for His 11th Birthday

RaeLynn, an 11-year-old from Memphis, TN, is diagnosed with Chromosome 2p Deletion, Developmental Delay, Non-epileptic Paroxysmal, and Sensorineural Hearing Loss.   When we visited RaeLynn for the first time, his teacher was there to help with sign language.  A Dream Trip to visit Disney World was exactly what he wanted.

On July 1 RaeLynn, Melonie (mom) and Ra’Niyah (sister) boarded a flight for Orlando to visit Disney World, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND.   He spent his 11th birthday while he was on his Dream.  The entire family had a great trip.  His mom sent the following text: “Thank y’all again so much.  It means a lot to him, to see their smiles everyday since we’ve been here has been a blessing & relief for me.  I’m more than grateful.”

Sometimes a Dream comes with an unexpected twist.  Their flight home on the 7th was delayed 4 times due to weather and finally cancelled at 10PM that night.  They were rescheduled to fly home the following day at 8:30PM.  We quickly found a nearby hotel with a shuttle and booked it for 2 days.  This way, the family did not have to spend 9 hours in Orlando airport waiting for their flight out.

RaeLynn’s Dream was sponsored by BlueScope Buildings North America from their generous grant made earlier this year.   Also, thanks to Briana Kesler of Your Fairytale Vacation for helping us plan their park visits.  A final call out to Dream Factory volunteers, Margo and Brian Juengling, for managing RaeLynn’s Dream.

RIVER CELBRATES 1ST RESPONDERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS

River is a 14-year-old from Collierville TN diagnosed with over seventeen different illnesses, including POTS, PMLE and Idiopathic Anaphylaxis to name a few.  Because of River’s illnesses, she is frequently transported to LeBonheur by Collierville’s Fire and Rescue’s EMTs.  So frequently, she knows many of them by name.

River’s Dream was to have a party to celebrate and thank all the 1st Responders, family and friends who have been so important in her life and that is exactly what we did.  It is the first Dream of this type.  There were a couple of MUSTS for her Dream…Blue Snow Cones, music, snack foods, tables with greenery and a photo booth.  River’s Dream Party was funded by proceeds from Ski Freeze 2023 sponsored by the Collierville Ski Club on January 1st.

On Sunday, May 21st, River’s Dream Party was held at The Quonset in Collierville.  River arrived by limousine after having her nails done with some friends.  It was kicked off with a 1st Responder’s Parade organized by The Collierville Police Department and Fire and Rescue.  Thank you, Chief Dale Lane (CPD) and Chief Selberg (CFD)!  Over 100 attendees enjoyed this great day of celebration.  Both Departments presented River with some special gifts and awards.

Many local businesses donated goods and services to help make River’s day everything that she Dreamed for including Bella’s Pizzeria, C.J. Lilly & Company, Clarke’s Quik Print, Firehouse Subs, Guthrie’s Chicken, Mahaffey Events & Tents, MidSouth Solutions, Midnight Star Photography, SmallCakes Collierville, and Wayne’s Candy.  We cannot thank them enough for their generosity.

A full crew of Dream Factory Volunteers were there to serve all the guests including Alex East, Jerry Johnson, Margo & Brian Juengling, Karen & Blair Knight. Sharon Waisner, Dianne West, and Dee Williams.  We were fortunate to have two first-time volunteers join us, Chelsea Connor and Katie Grady.