“I used to think that I would become another statistic further perpetuating stereotypes. Dreams for Kids helped me realize that it is because I am African-American and come from a poverty-stricken area that I can offer something unique to people. Dreams for Kids helped me realize the limitless potential inside myself and I am truly thankful for it.” –Cortez, Age 19

“For a person with Cerbral Palsy, Dreams for Kids has impacted me personally by allowing me to focus on the positive things I can do versus the things I can’t do…Today, because of Dreams for Kids, “can’t” isn’t even in my vocabulary. Dreams for Kids has taught me to teach other kids that they can…It’s so rewarding just knowing that by doing that one little thing and telling people they can, I’ve made a difference in so many ways. “ –Carrie, Age 20

“Dreams for Kids has broadened my horizons and made me realize many aspects in life and what I could be doing…In a sense, Dreams for Kids has given me special powers to make the world a better place… I can now put smiles on childrens’ faces, so I can put a proud smile on my face. “

-Kelly, Age 18

“Being part of a rich school has put a perspective in my head to only think about myself, but now I totally have a different perspective on everything.” –Sarah, Age 16

“The kids had a great time [at the Dream Leaders Conference], and they would all love to do it again. Each of their parents called to tell me how much the kids enjoyed the experience. Thanks for the opportunity, it means a lot to each of them. “ -Kevin Ricter, Sunlight African Community Center

“I must tell you too I was able to speak briefly with our girls that attended the Conference, and they were glowing about their experience.  Thank you again for extending that opportunity.” -Erin, Coordinator, Girls in the Game

“My students LOVED the conference. Several teachers (and even the junior student body president!) have spoken to me about wanting to be a part of the excitement our students are showing! This is a group of student who (in this school) often are not regarded as leaders. They are stepping out and showing leadership, and it is causing a stir. I LOVE it!” -Hillary Bullock, English Teacher, Glenbrook South High School

“This program not only has touched me, but also my peers and teachers.  Dreams for Kids has really been a BIG inspiration in my life… Anyone who attends Dreams for Kids will honestly be touched in a way that would always be in their life.” –Chakeita E., Age 16, Harlan Community Academy High School, Chicago

“I really wanna thank u 4 finding the Dream Leaders Program. This program made me care about people more and make me wanna help others. ” –D. J. #92 CITIES School, Milwaukee

“I learned to be in charge of things more. If I see something going wrong or something that shouldn’t be happening I stand up and say something about it now…Dream Leaders opened my eyes and made me more grateful for the things I have.” –Tamarah B., Age 16

“I can speak in front of a group of people! I can look at people with disability and see they are just like me! I accept people for who they are!   Keep this program, and never let it die out! It’s strong like the people in it. I LOVED it!! When new [Dream Leaders] programs are starting up I would want to be there and tell kids my story and how it changed me! I just want to be a part of it!!”

–Diamond Watkins, Age 16

“We were [at Extreme Recess] and enjoyed it tremendously. What great fun, and what wonderful people. I keep spreading the word and cannot say enough about Tom and the whole gang.  I could go on and on, but I do anyway, I tell everybody I can about this marvelous group of dedicated people whose hearts are in the right place. Thank you for such a wonderful time. Matthew would never experience the water sports if it weren’t for all of you.”

“The ski weekend was fabulous! I didn’t think we would ever be able to ski as a whole family and it meant a lot to my husband and myself to see Connor participate in skiing and join in with our family. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Dreams for Kids Sports Program is remarkable and the staff is wonderful!” -Patti, Mom of Connor, Age 3, quadruple amputee

“Thank you for the kids program and for allowing me to have so much fun, my friends love it when I show them pictures of me rock climbing or water skiing…they think that I am so lucky and thanks to you I AM!” -Bridget, Age 13, spinal cord injury

“I was Grace’s second grade teacher and since our school loops, I am also her third grade teacher. I wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that her involvement in the Dreams for Kids Extreme Recess! Program, in particular the water ski has led to a huge improvement in her self-confidence…last year she was shy and did not have a lot of friends. At the start of the year, she showed a video of herself water skiing and instantly the WOW factor came from the other kids…now she is the first to raise her hand to answer a question and has made several friends…thank you for what you have given her and what you do for all the children in your program.”

“Thank you for all the wonderful programs Dreams for Kids has for kids…the staff’s wonderful attitude and open heart and open mind give my daughter great hope and confidence…she has changed so much in the last year, thank you.” -Farhad, Dad of Dorin, Age 10, Cerebral Palsy

“Me and my Mom are happy that we found a camp that will accept me for who I am, I love all of the different activities and especially the lunches.” -Matt, Age 11, Tourette’s Syndrome

“My brother is more confident and happy now, even his spelling and writing have improved…he is a bigger person today and his confidence and attitude have gone to a bigger level…from the seed he was before, he is now a flower.” -Matt’s sister Lindsay, Age 12

“Thank you a million times for letting my son be a part of your program…his physical disability that has held him back for so long in not such a handicap anymore…he tried camps at the Park District, but they didn’t work out, he was made fun of to the point of tears, but not with the Dreams for Kids Extreme Recess! Program…I truly feel that you are a team of Angels that was sent from heaven to help Matt and other children like my Matt…” -Michele, Mom of Matt, Age 11, Tourette’s Syndrome

“After my daughter became a part of the Dreams for Kids Extreme Recess! program, she stopped thinking about what she couldn’t do, but what she could do… being ABLE to do so many things including rock climbing, water skiing, kayaking, etc. all with one arm has changed her life (and mine as well)!” -Karen, Mom of Greta, Age 16, below elbow amputee

“The Dreams for Kids Sports Program simply ROCKS!!!”

-Greta, Age 16, below elbow amputee

“I am having so much fun doing things like skiing and rock climbing that my cousins and friends do. This is great. I also really enjoy having fun with the other girls.”

-Mary Kate, Age 7, spinal cord injury

“I enjoyed seeing my daughter Mary Kate interact and ski with the older participants, but as a parent, I especially enjoyed being given the opportunity to talk and interact with the participants as well. It felt wonderful being able to join all the kids, staff, volunteers and families for dinner Saturday night. It was a great time!” -Joanne, Mom of Mary Kate, Age 7, spinal cord injury

“It’s great! I enjoy playing all the sports with my friends. I am really good at hockey, golf and basketball. I also have a lot of fun swimming at the indoor water park.” -Darius, Age 11, below elbow amputee

“The Dreams for Kids Extreme Recess! Program is an awesome experience! I have made a lot of new friends and have done things like water-skiing, snow skiing and kayaking that I never thought would be possible being in a wheelchair.” -Courtney, Age 14, Spina Bifida

“The pictures brought tears to my eyes. It was everything I imagined for my daughter. There is nothing like memories of times shared between father and daughter. They will both cherish that moment forever!” -Jennifer, Mom of Taylor, Age 11, brain injury

“The program (Dreams for Kids Sports Program) has truly been a blessing for Kristin and our family. She is learning to do so many things and has made so many friends. I am so happy that you make this possible for her.” -Rose, Mom of Kristen, Age 14, below elbow amputee

“This summer Dreams for Kids came to San Diego. I had a great time playing wheelchair basketball. I would like to tell you how much you touched me. I will remember forever that you came to NSA. Now when somebody makes fun of disabled, I tell them, they are not disabled, they are able– able to do everything. Thank you for changing me.” -Heather, Age 10, Wisconsin

“For my birthday this year, I asked for donations instead of presents. So here are the donations ($250) for Dreams for Kids.” -Brendan, Age 10