Reach For A Dream invites children who are on similar treatment journeys to join Dream Club and participate in age-appropriate outings and in-hospital activities throughout the year.

By focusing on shared experiences, Dream Club helps these children feel accepted, supported and understood while fostering deep friendships with peers who empathise with their circumstances, says the foundation. 
 
Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream Foundation, underscored the significance of launching Dream Club on International Childhood Cancer Day.

"This day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its profound impact on children and their families. By introducing Dream Club on this occasion, we aim to highlight the urgent need for mental and emotional support for children and families affected by cancer, while emphasising the transformative power of hope in their journey to recovery," says Sotirianakos. 
 
Each Dream Club activity centres around four enriching themes:
  • hope
  • confidence
  • courage, and
  • family.
These themes celebrate the resilience and bravery of the children, providing vital emotional support during their challenging journeys, according to Reach for a Dream. 
 
"These children are incredibly courageous, and each themed activity is a testament to their strength," adds Sotirianakos. "Whether it's a martial arts class, a weekend getaway with their families, or an art class within the hospital, each activity is designed to inspire hope, boost confidence and create lasting memories."
 
When a child joins Dream Club, they receive a special kit symbolising the beginning of their transformative journey with Reach For A Dream. Teenagers receive a journal to record their experiences, while younger children receive a sticker book with a sticker given at each outing, symbolising their progress along the path of healing and joy, the foundation says. 

Mhlongo inspires hope  

The foundation says Mhlongo joined the Reach For A Dream team on its first Dream Club activity, themed around hope, for children bravely undergoing cancer treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Mhlongo engaged with the children by:
  • distributing Dream Club kits
  • participating in an in-hospital art class, and
  • shared heartfelt words of encouragement, bringing smiles to the warriors.
"As a proud supporter of Reach For A Dream and their incredible Dream Club, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of hope in the lives of children battling cancer," says Mhlongo. "Hope nurtures their spirits, fuels their resilience and gives them the strength to overcome every hurdle. Infusing hope into their journey empowers these young fighters to believe that anything is possible."
 
The Dream Club will be rolled out nationally, aiming to help brave children forge lasting friendships while giving them something to look forward to, according to the foundation. 

"Our vision is to walk alongside these resilient children throughout their healing journey, empowering them to emerge as courageous survivors," Sotirianakos concludes. 

For more information, visit www.reachforadream.org. You can also follow Reach for a Dream on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor