Those who ENDURE, conquer… Endurance is the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. This defines how our team of 100% volunteers managed to fulfill 39 dreams for children who are combating chronic and critical illnesses during a time of many unfamiliar challenges, restrictions and limitations created by the pandemic. I am proud of the perseverance shown by our team to overcome obstacles and continue raising funds, managing dreams, engaging our community, generating awareness and identifying creative ways to bring smiles and hope to children who are faced with fighting a serious illness. These are certainly the results of a team who shows a willingness and ability to ENDURE and CONQUER!
We express our sincere appreciation to the Kansas City Community for sharing your passion, love and support in 2020!Our team is embracing ENDURANCE for 2021 and we invite you to join our efforts to continue making a positive difference in the lives of our children who need a ray of sunshine.
The impact of fulfilling the dreams of children battling a serious illness includes improving their attitudes, raising their spirits and creating hope, all of which are key to increasing their body’s ability to fight their unfortunate diseases. The ENDURANCE of our dream children is an ongoing inspiration to our volunteers and will encourage ENDURANCE as we work toward granting the 41 dreams currently awaiting execution. With the support of our Kansas City Community, we will CONQUER our mission to make these dreams a reality in 2021.
With sincere thanks and gratitude, Lisa McIntire, President
Featured Dream Story
Zoom to the North Pole with Santa
One of our most attended Dream Factory family events is Movie Night with Santa; however, the global pandemic altered those plans in 2020. In order to keep our Dream Kids, their families and Santa safe, the idea of Zoomin' with Santa at the North Pole took off. Santa met virtually with kids all over the Kansas City area for two magical nights. Santa taught the kids reindeer facts, answered questions about the elves and the toy workshop, and at one point even helped with virtual learning.
Kids shared their Christmas wish lists with Santa, ranging from hoverboards, Barbies, Lego sets and even a Chiefs Superbowl win! After checking his list twice, Santa confirmed all the Dream Kids, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce all made the nice list. Before signing off, Santa reminded the kids to stay safe, “Santa-tize” and leave out cookies and milk before wishing them the Merriest Christmas.
Supporter Spotlight
Our Supporter Spotlight and Dreamcatcher of the month is the Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin 5k Run/Walk.
The Pumpkin Run mission is: To honor the lives of Jared and Jayne Coones; to create an event that celebrates family and community; and to raise funds for research and organizations that support cancer patients and their families. Jared and Jayne (Jared's mother) both lost their lives to cancer and are survived by Tom (Jared's father) and Meghan (Jared's sister) Coones. Jared, a former Dream child loved the fall, especially pumpkins, therefore his family continues to celebrate his life every year in October with the Pumpkin Run. The 22nd Annual Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin Run was virtually held in October and included 723 participants. This afforded the Foundation the ability to donate a total of $25,000 in 2020 to select non-profit organizations that helped support the Coones family during the battle of their illnesses. We are excited to announce that Dream Factory was once again selected as a recipient of these funds. $2,500 was graciously donated to the Dream Factory, bringing the 22-year donation total to $139,500! We are so grateful to Tom Coones and the Pumpkin Run team; you have made so many children’s dreams come true over the years!
Social Media Details: Twitter: @Pumpkin_Run
Facebook: Jared Coones Memorial 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk
Instagram: pumpkin_run
Erin has played a key role in identifying creative ways to manage dreams and coordinate special events throughout 2020. This included the Zoom with Santa event, creating care packages for special delivery and generating unique fundraising ideas to support the costs of funding dreams. Erin demonstrates an eager spirit to produce dreamy experiences for our children and takes advantage of every opportunity to do so. Erin, thank you for investing your time, passion and leadership into making dreams come true!
FAQ's:
Q: How long have you volunteered with the Dream Factory?
A: I started in spring 2015 as a volunteer and joined the Board in February 2018 as the Director of Special Events.
Q: Why did you join as a volunteer?
A: I was new to Kansas City and wanted to get involved somewhere to make a difference and meet people. Dream Factory was the first thing that popped up on Google and having read the first line of what we do, I knew it was a place for me.
Q: What does the Dream Factory mean to you?
A: Dream Factory means the world to me. I knew I would meet other volunteers and work with Dream families, but I had no idea how close I would get with both of them. Every single person I have met as a volunteer or on the Board has a heart of gold. As a Dream Manager I thought I would work with Dream Kids and their families, planning the best Dream trip for them and then move on to the next experience. Little did I know that after meeting and hearing their story they would become more than a Dream, they become family.
Q. What is the highlight of your time as a volunteer?
A: Sponsoring a Dream Factory family at a Chiefs game. The family met Bill Snyder, Eric Stonestreet and before the game, the Chiefs high-fived the Dream child on mid-field. Patrick Mahomes even walked up and gave him a football; the Dream child squealed in excitement!
Q. What is your occupation and your interests?
A: I sell Oncology software to inpatient pharmacies and cancer centers. My interests are sports, KU, painting, brainstorming new events for the Dream Factory and The Office.
In Memory of Hudson
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the family of our Dream Child, Hudson Sands, who fought hard through his battle with DIPG and sadly, he recently joined the angels in heaven. Because of his courageous fight, the memory of Hudson will forever be in our hearts as he impacted so many throughout our community.
Todd, Stacey and Addie, thank you for allowing us to share in Hudson’s life.
Upcoming Dream Factory Events
Boulevard of Dreams event, April 29, 2021
4th Annual Rockin’ for Dreams event, May 2021 (Date TBD)
BMA Dance & Dine with the Stars event, June 12, 2021
Supporting Dream Factory Through Monthly Giving Our Mission at the Dream Factory is to make dreams come true for children with life-altering illnesses. Monthly gifts to support this mission may be made to Dream Factory through the following methods:
One time donations
Recurring Giving; which is an easy way to participate in funding the dreams of children battling chronic and critical illnesses to bring them hope and courage as they fight to combat their disease.
