Tommy's Shopping spree Dream
Tommy, an 18-year-old from Hernando, MS, was diagnosed with Type1 Diabetes when he was just a toddler. Early on, he was taught to give himself insulin shot by practicing on a stuffed bear. Although he still faces daily challenges with his illness, he is busy at work, gaming and hanging with his friends.
Tommy dialed his dream down to a shopping spree. On Sunday, January 29, 2023, his Dream was granted at Meddlesome Brewing Co. in Cordova. Tommy, an avid gamer, is incredibly talented building computers from the ground up. He chose all the components to give him the most computing horsepower to fulfill his needs. By Sunday night, his computer was ready to go, which look more like the cockpit of the Starship Enterprise than a computer.
We received this message from his mom “Thank y’all again so much! The impact of a group of people coming together for kindness and to bring joy to a child will impact my children for the rest of their lives. I hope it showed them that there are kind and good people in this world and they can be part of that as well.”
Tommy’s dream was granted by funds raised at Meddlesome’s 0.5K Meandering on November 5, 2022. Our thanks to Ben, Richie, and the entire Meddlesome Team for making Tommy dream come true. Also, thanks to 1910 Frame Works & Gallery. Finally, a call out to our volunteers Brian & Margo Juengling, Karen Knight, Cathy Robertson, and Dianne West.
gavin's new orleans saints dream comes true
Gavin is a 14-year-old from Bartlett TN who is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes that requires 24/7 monitoring. He is saddled with a glucose monitor and insulin pump all the time. However, like most guys his age, he loves sports…playing and watching. His favorite team is the New Orleans Saints. In fact, he named one of his dogs NOLA. His dream was attending a Saints game and hopefully meet some of his favorite players.
Dream Factory volunteers leapt into action to make this come true. On December 16, 2022, Gavin and his family headed to NOLA. They were special guest of the Saints attending Saturday’s Team Practice where he met both #32 Tyrann Mathieu (FS) and #1 Marquez Callaway (WR) who presented him with a practice ball. On Sunday’s game, Gavin was invited onto the field as the Saints warmed up and then watched the game in style in a suite. The suite owners were so taken with Gavin, they offered him suite tickets to the Pelicans (his next favorite team) NBA basketball game the following night. Gavin’s Dream was bigger and better than he, or we, ever imagined.
Gavin’s dream was sponsored by funds raised by the Bartlett Fire Department through their Annual Pancake Breakfast. Thank you, Zaxby’s Chicken on Germantown Rd, for hosting his Dream Party. Our special thanks to the New Orleans Saints Organization for making his Dream Come True. A call out to our Dream Factory Volunteers Karen Knight, Cathy Robertson, Dee Williams, and Dianne West who worked diligently to make Gavin’s Dream a reality.
hogan heads to disney for dream of a lifetime
Hogan like many children loves swimming, baseball, and soccer. He is a Mississippi State fan and loves to eat pizza and hot dogs. Unlike other kids, Hogan, from Booneville, MS, is diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
His Dream was to go to Disney World in Orlando. On November 16, 2022, Hogan and his family drove to Memphis to fly out of Memphis International. Their flight on the 17th was early so courtesy of Marriott Memphis East, they were overnight guests. Hogan is a huge fan of Lost Pizza, and they were kind enough to host his Dream Party at the Poplar Ave location. Carole Simmons (GM) took extra special care by having Hogan and his brother Lance back in the kitchen to craft their own pizzas.
Early that morning, they boarded a flight to Orlando for a 7-day/6-night stay at Give Kids the World to enjoy many of the theme parks.
Hogan’s dream was sponsored by Protank of Olive Branch, MS. This is the second year in a row where they have sponsored a dream. Also, thanks to Marriott Memphis East and Lost Pizza. We can’t leave out our Dream volunteers who worked hard to make his dream extra special, Margo Juengling, Cathy Robertson, and Dianne West. As an aside, Carole Simmons has since joined the Dream Factory as a regular volunteer.
Reed's magic tree house
Reed is an 8-year-old from Germantown, TN diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Reed’s dream choice was inspired by his favorite set of books, Magic Tree House. His own tree house had to include a slide and steps (not a ladder).
On December 19, 2022, Reed’s dream came true. His excitement could hardly be contained as he cut the ribbon to Reed’s Tree House • Established December 2022. Like many kids, Reed is a sports fan of the San Francisco 49ers, but unlike most, his favorite singer is Frank Sinatra. The tree house was decorated with a 49ers flag, Sinatra sign, benches with cushions in his favorite color, red. His Dream Party was celebrated with his family and many friends.
Reed’s Dream was sponsored by the Collierville Ski Club through funds raised at the 2022 Ski Freeze. We’d like to thank the following who helped make Reed’s Dream Come True…Germantown Lumber, Marco’s Pizza (Germantown), Metal Roofing Supply (Covington) and our carpenter/craftsman Roy Sawyer. Also, thanks to our Dream Factory volunteers…Lyn Doyle, Brian & Margo Juengling, Jerry Johnson, Cathy Robertson, Jon Rotenberry, and Dianne, West who were key in making his dream a reality.
terrell's shopping spree/mario birthday party
Terrell is a 13-year-old from Memphis TN diagnosed with a Neurofibromatosis type 1. Terrell loves the Mario Brothers. His dream was for a Shopping Spree and receive all his gifts at a Mario Themed Birthday Party. Terrell quickly made a list of all the items he wished for, then our volunteers went to work ordering and gift wrapping all his goodies, including a new bicycle, PS5 with games, Mario clothes and accessories just to name a few.
On October 23, 2022, Terrell’s dream came true at Incredible Pizza which was celebrated with his family and friends. To make the Mario Theme complete, Hurbert Rucker and Tony Young (his uncles) dressed in Mario and Luigi costumes to make this one of the most memorable birthday parties he ever had.
We want to thank the Collierville Ski Club who sponsored Terrell’s Dream with funds raised at the Annual Ski Freeze. Also, thanks to Incredible Pizza for their generous donation of all the kid’s game tokens and pizza and their wonderful hospitality. Finally, thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Jerry Johnson and James Caraway for making his Dream Come True!
AISEN'S DREAM TO MEET YADI COMES TRUE!
Aisen is a 7-year-old from Somerville diagnosed with T-Cell ALL Leukemia. Like most children his age, he loves baseball. When asked what his dream was…”meet Yadi Molina!” That was going to be a challenge since Aisen couldn’t travel yet. However, in late July, it was announced that Yadi was going to be rehabbing with the Memphis Redbirds.
Our volunteers went into overdrive and with the tireless efforts of the Memphis Redbirds’ Staff, were able to arrange for a meet and greet with him. On July 28th, Aisen’s Dream Came True! He and his family watched the game from a suite at AutoZone Park complete with hot dogs and drinks. Our special thanks to Yadi Molina, the Memphis Redbirds’ Staff and Dream Factory volunteers, Jerry Johnson, Cathy Robertson and Dianne West for making his Dream a reality within 36 hours.
Thomas' Dream to Meet Mickey Mouse
Thomas is a 15-year-old from Germantown, TN diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and is G-Tube dependent. His favorite Disney character is Mickey Mouse, and his dream was to travel to Orlando to meet Mickey in person. On April 16, 2022, Thomas’ Dream Came True. Joining him on his Dream trip was his mom (Cindy), brother (Will) & sister (Cam). Thomas’s Dream was sponsored by the Collierville Ski Club from a portion of the proceeds raised through Ski Freeze 2022.
Here is a note from his mom from their first day in Orlando.
“We are here and soooo very happy!! (And worn out!). The villa is absolutely lovely. Thomas did it all at Magic Kingdom today. He loved the roller coasters. I can’t express how thankful and appreciative we are. We are only one day into our trip and we have had more fun together than ever! Thank you!”
We want to say a special thank you to the Collierville Ski Club for their continued support and generosity. Also, thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Cathy Robertson, Margo and Brian Juengling for managing Thomas’ Dream Trip.
Eleanor "Ellie" P and Her New Best Friend "Callie"
Ellie’s smile is contagious, and it was when her Dream was granted on April 5, 2022 at area 51 ice cream in Hernando. Ellie is a 12-year-old from Hernando, MS diagnosed with Gastroparesis and POTS.
When we asked her about her Dream, her answer was easy and without hesitation…a new puppy. Not just any puppy, one that would become her new best friend and bring her comfort. The breed is a Coton de Tulear known for being playful, affectionate, intelligent, and trainable. For Ellie, a match made in Heaven.
A special thanks go out to Big Gulch Kennels, The County Seat Animal Hospital, Ultra K9 Dog Training, Hollywood Feed and area 51 ice cream. Each of these companies made generous donations to make Callie’s arrival an extraordinary Dream Come True!
Thanks to Dream Factory Volunteers Madeline Totten, Cathy Roberston and Margo & Brian Juengling for making Ellie’s Dream Reveal Party extra special!
Olivia's "Week as a Princess" Dream Comes True!
Olivia is this amazing, beautiful, 6 year old young girl from Germantown, TN. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and her dream was to go to Disney World and experience life as a Princess.
Thanks to wonderful people at ProTank for their sponsorship, the Dream Factory of Memphis was able to make this a reality for Olivia. On November 21, 2021, Olivia set off for Florida, with her mom, Kacie, dad, Peter, and twin brother, Owen on their birthday, November 21st. While staying at Give Kids the World and visiting the parks, she was treated like a Princess and was able to go through the whole dress up/make-up fun that some girls only Dream about. The family had a great time and proudly wore their Dream Factory shirts as they visited Olivia’s favorite parks.
Thanks, again, to Protank for sponsoring Olivia’s Dream and to Dream Factory Volunteer, Vicki Damron (Dream Manager).
Jirah E's Shopping Spree Goes Virtual
Dream Family Spans Two Generations
Jirah E is an 7-year-old from Senatobia, MS diagnosed with Achondroplasia, Kyphoscoliosis and Hydrocephalus. Jirah loves cars…all kinds of cars. On November 12, 2021, his “Virtual Shopping Spree” was granted at his home. His dream included a Corvette Bed and Toy Organizer, Tire Toy Chest. However, his Mercedes-Benz Maybach G650S, 12V Battery Powered Toy Electric Car was his favorite!
Jirah’s is a one of a kind Dream for Memphis because in 1991 our chapter granted a Barbie House Dream to his mom, Saundra. This is our first dream combo that spanned 2 generations. We have included some pictures from Saudra’s Dream also.
Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Margo Juengling (Dream Manager) and Jerry Johnson and Brian Juengling (Toy and Bed Assembly Team). A special “thank you” call out to the folks at Domino’s Pizza in Senatobia for donating 2 pizzas for his dream party!
The final touch on the Jirah’s Dream was a number of collectables autographed by 6-Time World Champion NHRA Driver Clay Millican of the Parts Plus MotorSports Team provided by the Pronto Automotive Distribution Network.
Jirah’s mom summed it up perfectly…“Hey, we just got this box of great stuff in the mail ..you have no idea how much we appreciate you guys . The gifts just keep coming lol he will NOT open these NEVER ‼️ these are collectables”
Ragan S' Week of Roller Coaster Thrills
GKTW Orlando Experience October 10-16, 2021
Ragan S is a 16-year-old from Arlington, TN diagnosed with Type One Diabetes and Celiac Disease. Although Ragan visits Orlando regularly for cheer competition, she never spent enough time at the parks to fully enjoy all the roller coasters that she loves to ride. On October 10, 2021, Ragan and her family flew Southwest Airlines to Orlando courtesy of proceeds raised at the 2021 Ski Freeze hosted by the Collierville Ski Club.
She spent 6 days of thrilling rides, while staying at Give Kids the World Village, with her family: Scott (dad), Laura (mom) and Carter (brother). Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteers Brian and Margo Juengling for being Ragan’s Dream Managers.
A special thank you to Mellow Mushroom Germantown and Nothing Bundt Cakes for their generous donations for her Dream Party.
Give Kids the World and Dream Factory Team Up for...
Dream Factory Week 2021!
Give Kids The World and The Dream Factory Teamed Up to host 25 Dream Factory Children (from across the country) and their families from June 20-26, 2021. The Dream Factory of Memphis granted three (3) dreams that week…a DREAM TRIFECTA!
- Avalyn W
- Mason H
- Taylor C
Avalyn W's Orlando Experience
Avalyn W is a 6-year-old from Hernando, MS diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia type b. Avalyn dreamed of going to Disney World and staying at Give Kids The World. Her dream was postponed because of COVID-19, but on June 20, 2021, Avalyn and her family boarded a Southwest jet bound for Orlando.
She spent 6 fun filled days in Orlando with her family: Lee (dad), Hannah (mom), Lyla (sister) and Braylee (sister). Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteer Karen Knight for being Avalyn’s Dream Manager!
Mason H's Disney Dream Came True
Mason H is an 8-year-old from Hernando, MS diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. Like many children his age, Mason dreamed to go to Disney World. He wanted to ride roller coasters, visit Toy Story Land, LEGOLAND and ESPN World. Mason was approved for his dream in October 2020, but his dream was postponed. We are so glad in 2021 we were able to make it come true!
Mason enjoyed tons of fun in Orlando with his family: Greg (dad), Kristin (mom) and Garrett (brother). Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteer, Vicki Damron, for being Mason’s Dream Manager.
Taylor C's Loved Disney and All the Orlando Parks
Taylor C is a 7-year-old from Millington, TN diagnosed with Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy. Taylor loves Disney and Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob, Beauty and the Beast, and Moana. The also likes the trills of riding roller coasters. Taylor was approved as a dream child in November 2019, but because of COVID-19, her dream was postponed until 2021. Taylor’s dream was sponsored by the Bartlett Fire Department using funds raised at their annual Pancake Breakfast.
Taylor and her family explored many parks in Orlando with her family: Brian (dad), Crystal (mom) and Sierra (sister). Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteer, Jerry Johnson, for being Taylor’s Dream Manager!
Micah T's Backyard Cabin Dream
Micah dreamed for a backyard cabin. His fond memories, of family vacations in a Gatlinburg Cabin, were the inspiration for his dream. He loves the mountains and wanted for a magical getaway to have sleepovers with his family and friends.
Micah, a 5-year-old from Collierville, TN, was diagnosed with Malignant Neoplasm of Cortex Adrenal Gland (Stage 4 ACC).
On Monday, June 14th, 2021, Micah’s dream came true. As you can see from the smile on his face, it was everything he imagined. His family and some Dream Factory volunteers had the ribbon cutting complete with a cookout to celebrate this special occasion.
His Dream could not have been granted without the generosity of the many local companies and folks who pitched in to assist. Our special thanks to Otto Electric, Environmental Pneumatics, Farmers Hardware, Paint Solutions, Jimmy Watt, Dianne West, Brenda Pennington, David Winslow, Senator Paul Rose, and James Caraway.
Most of all, we thank Jerry Johnson, a long-time volunteer with the Dream Factory who was Micah’s Dream Manager with the responsibility to see the project through. He donated more than 75-100 hours finishing his cabin to make it picture perfect.
Aishlyn C's Disney Adventure
GKTW Orlando Experience – June 6-12, 2021
Aishlyn’s mom, Tammy, told her & her sisters that this was their Peter Pan Summer! No thinking about grown up things. Her dream trip to Disney was granted & we kicked it off with a surprise celebration at El Mezcal, one of her favorite restaurants.
Aishlyn “LOVED” GKTW – the pool, rides and don’t forget the ICE CREAM!!! Trips to Magic Kingdom & SeaWorld were also favorites. The family sent a message to say it really is AMAZING here! Wonderful trip for all!
Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteer, Karen Knight, for being Aishlyns’ Dream Manager!
Luke and Elijah's B's Double Disney Dream
Orlando Experience – May 7 – 14, 2021
It was a first for our Dream Factory Chapter to grant “2” Orlando Dreams in the same family! They were also our 1st post COVID19 travel dream! Their family surprised the brothers at The Grove located on the Ole Miss campus followed by our dream kick-off party which was held at Buffalo Wild Wings in Oxford, MS.
I received a message from Amanda (mom) while in Florida – “We have closed down the park just about each night! It has been MAGICAL & AMAZING! She also let me know when they had made it home safely, saying exhausted is an understatement. A great time had by all! Our thanks to Dream Factory volunteer, Karen Knight, for being Luke and Elijah’s Dream Manager!
Clayton P's Camper Dream
Clayton, an eight-year-old from Brownsville was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the Hypodiploid rarity, which made this a very high-risk cancer. (only 2% are diagnosed with this kind).
Clayton loves the outdoors. Because of his weakened immune system, he cannot play with other kids. This was only amplified by the COVID pandemic, which keeps him from doing nearly everything. Yet, he can enjoy the outdoors with his family. His dream of his own camper would allow him to do just that.
A dream this of this magnitude is typically out of reach because of its cost. However, the members of the 16th Review Club of Brownsville, TN were determined to help raise additional funds to make Clayton’s dream a reality. They tackled the job of raising enough funds to offset the normal cost of a dream. They solicited local businesses and citizens of Haywood County and exceeded their goal. With the money they raised; plus, a generous donation from Carey’s Body Shop in Millington, TN, and the Johnson and Rotenberry families, enough monies were raised to cover the entire cost of Clayton’s Camper. A special thanks to Gander RV and Champion Power Equipment for the extra equipment needed for the camper.
On December 5, 2020, we granted Clayton’s dream (our second in 2020). Gander RV in Jackson, TN pulled out all the stops to make this his special day. Clayton arrived at the store blindfolded, not knowing where he was or what he was doing. His eyes grew in amazement when his blindfold was removed. His favorite spot is his bunk bed. He let us know his first trip would be to the “deep country” in his camper. We know he will make many lasting memories with his family enjoying the outdoors.
After granting Clayton’s Camper Dream, we received this message from his mom and dad…
“Dear Dream Factory of Memphis”
“WOW! That is exactly how we are still feeling! This cancer journey has been long, unfair, and draining on Clayton’s body. He has had to grow up so quickly. BUT all of that is behind him and because of the love and energy that you all have put into making his dream come true…he is ONLY looking ahead! He has dreamed of being outdoors for a long time and having a camper to make his adventurous dreams come true is something he has talked about since he took his blindfold off on Dec. 5th. He has told the story to everyone at the hospital. I am confident his recovery will now be even faster due to this amazing gift. The love poured into the camper will travel with Clayton on every adventure. We love you!
Love,
David and Natalie”
Elissa P's Shopping Spree Dream
On Sunday, August 23, 2020 we granted our first DREAM since the COVID Pandemic. Elissa P, a 15 year old from Memphis diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, received her “Virtual Shopping Spree” courtesy of the Collierville Ski Club and the 2020 Ski Freeze Fundraiser. Unlike our P/P (pre-pandemic) shopping sprees, Elissa scoured the internet for her shopping list. All of the items were ordered and shipped to her Dream Managers’ home. The next question…how do we make her virtual dream memorable?
It kicked off at 3 PM, when a Limo Express limousine picked up Elissa, her three friends (Desiree, Taylor and Katie) and her mom (Emily) at home. They headed to Collierville, TN to the private lake where the Ski Club trains. Her loot was placed on some tables for her arrival. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by several Ski Club members and Dream Factory volunteers…all wearing masks. After taking a look at all the items she chose, Elissa and her friends were treated to a thrill ride in the Club’s Nautique ski boat. Elissa surprised her dream managers, Brian and Margo Juengling, with a Dream Factory logo she hand painted. On that back was her personal note “thank you so so so much – Elissa”.
Shortly thereafter, and a few photos later, Elissa and her entourage loaded back up in the limo headed to her favorite restaurant…Chipotle Mexican Grill to pick up her TO GO Dream Party Dinner and then headed home to share her experience with friends and family.
We are very thankful for the privilege to grant her DREAM in spite of the pandemic and consider this one of many to come. Together, we make dreams come true!
Meet Maddox B.
On November 9, 2019, Maddox B. was granted his Shopping Spree Dream. His limousine from LimoExpress picked him up and headed toward his first stop, Best Buy and followed by GameStop. Once shopping was finished, he met a number of his friends at Urban Air Adventure Park in Southaven for his dream party and plenty of fun. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who made Maddox’s dream date so special.
A NOTE FROM MADDOX’S MOM
Maddox was born on Sept 3, 2010. He was perfect. We took him home from the hospital the day after he was born, only to bring him back the next day due to jaundice. He stayed in the hospital for a week.
When he was 3 weeks old, I had to rush him to the ER due to severe bleeding from his GI tract. His father was at military training and not able to get phone calls. Maddox spent 14 days in the PICU until we found out he had severe food allergies. We had no idea that when we were feeding him, we were causing severe bleeding to occur in his colon. He has always cried since birth. We were told it was colic or reflux. We had no idea that we were slowly killing our child while only trying to feed him. As he got older, we found more allergies. By the time he was a toddler, he could only eat special foods. I had to make everything from scratch. He is now 8 years old and diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). He’s also diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disease that causes him to dislocate his joints frequently and has had 11 broken bones due to this issue. Due to all his medical issues, he now has severe anxiety.,
Say Hi to Caleb R.
On September 28, 2019, Caleb R. boarded a plane headed to San Antonio to meet Dr. Max Lucado,a best-selling Christian author and pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to the smile on his face after meeting “Max”, Caleb spent a day at Morgan’s Wonderland, 25-acre non-profit theme park in San Antonio, Texas that is ultra-accessible for guests of all ages and abilities. Caleb, age 7, is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
A NOTE FROM CALEB
Dear individuals God chose to grant me my dream to pray over Max:
Each person touched my heart by providing my parents the funding and connections for my dream adventure. Join me in thanking Jesus for how each on of God’s children are blessed by organizations such as The Dream Factory. Continue on my newest friends.
Jesus’s Child
Caleb R