Statements

Mission

Dreams and Wishes of Tennessee's mission is to grant wishes to individuals ages 5-21 that have relapsed from cancer. We also grant wishes to young adults 18-21 that have a first time cancer diagnosis. We will grant a wish to any child that meets our eligibility criteria in any of the 95 counties in the state of Tennessee.

Background

Dreams and Wishes of Tennessee was founded in 2013 to help give children that have relapsed from a cancer diagnosis something to look forward to during their time of enduring chemo and radiation. Studies have shown that health care professionals who treat children with cancer believe that giving a child something to look forward to such as a wish or dream can improve the child's physical health and be a positive turning point in their battle.

Impact

Since our inception in April 2013, a total of one hundred-fifty-one (151) wishes have been granted. Of those 151 wishes granted, we have lost ninety-eight (98) of those children. Our goal for this year is to grant twenty-three (23) wishes to eligible children in Tennessee and to not let another eligible child pass before their wish has been granted. As of January 2023, we have sixteen (16) children battling cancer on our waiting list to receive a wish. One of our biggest challenges has been donations due to the pandemic. To reach our goal of twenty-three wishes we will need at least $69,000.00.

Needs

1. We have an on-going need of funding to grant wishes to eligible children in the state of Tennessee, our program funding goal for 2023 is $69,000
2. We need community involvement to help raise awareness and funds to make our mission possible.
3. We need committed Wish Granting volunteers, Board leaders and Fundraising/Event volunteers to carry out our foundation goals.
4. We need referrals from patients, parents and medical professionals so we can reach each child that has relapsed from cancer
5. We are actively looking for companies willing to match employee contributions via fundraisers at work.

CEO Statement

For 12 years I worked as the Director of Program Services for the world's largest wish granting organization. I can honestly say that this was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I had the privilege to meet so many wonderful children and their families, and I also witnessed pain and sorrow from families whose children relapsed from cancer and families whose child lost their battle with cancer. I was often asked by families of a child whose cancer had returned if the child could receive another wish. When the child has the thought of receiving a wish on their mind, it gives them something to focus on other than being sick. Something to look forward to when they are feeling bad from their chemo or radiation treatments. Childhood cancer not only places a huge emotional burden on the family, but it is also a huge financial burden. I've learned that sometimes it is the simplest thing that can put a smile on a child's face. I want to give these children something to look forward to, a wonderful memory for the entire family. Something to help them get through their chemo and radiation treatments. My goal is to make a difference in these kids' lives and to bring them happiness during these difficult times. With your help, that's what we will do.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Human Services  - Children's and Youth Services
Secondary Category:	-
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

Dreams and Wishes of Tennessee will grant the wish of any eligible child in the entire state of Tenneessee

TN