The Reach for a Dream Foundation recently made young Zukhanye’s dream of being a vet, a reality for a day, by taking him to the Tygerberg Animal Hospital.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 April 2023) – Dream Days are what the Reach for a Dream Foundation lives for. The organisation works to surprise sickly children, often enduring terminal diseases and illness, with a day of their dreams. This helps each child, feel like a child again, even just for a day!
Reach For A Dream is a leading non-profit organisation, to help children fight a serious disease by making their dreams – such as swimming with dolphins, meeting an idol or celebrity or getting a new doll house – come true. This not only gives these youngsters and their families an invaluable respite from daily stressors associated with ill health but stirs up much-needed courage and hope, helping these little ones believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.
Last year, Reach For A Dream raised over R8.3 million – this year they’re aiming even higher with a goal of raising R10 million to help 2000 children.
Young Zukhanye is one of those lucky dreamers. He has been battling Leukaemia and despite his struggles, he still dreams of being a vet when he is older. The foundation made that dream come true recently.
“Zukhanye has been battling Leukaemia with a warrior spirit that inspires everyone who meets him. Despite his health struggles, Zukhanye’s love for soccer and his dream of becoming a veterinarian have never waned. He has always had a soft spot for animals, especially the cats and dogs he often encounters on the streets, always wanting to give them the care and love they deserve.
On his Dream Day, we whisked him to Tygerberg Animal Hospital. Fitted out with scrubs and his very own stethoscope, he got the opportunity to consult with some fluffy patients, use the ultrasound machine, and even scrub in on a surgery – a definite highlight for him. His innate compassion for animals was evident as he worked alongside the veterinarians, soaking up all the knowledge they had to offer. At the end of the visit, he was presented with a name badge with Dr. Zukhanye written on it! He couldn’t have been prouder or thrilled with his accomplishments, and his smile lit up the entire hospital.
But the surprises didn’t end there! Zukhanye unwrapped his dream – a laptop. It was something he had always wanted and never thought he would be able to have. For Zukhanye, this was the cherry on top of an already perfect day.
Happy Dream Day, Dr Zukhanye!”
These dreams make all the difference for the children and their families. They ignite hope, joy and bring peace. If you would like to support dreams like this one, you can take part in Slipper Day that is coming up on the 5th of May 2023. You can find out more about Slipper Day and how to get your sticker here.
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