Dream Come True of Western Connecticut

Hennessy

For Hennessy, her Disney dream was more than a wish in the making. It turned out to be an amazing succession of firsts for the outgoing 7-year-old! It was her first plane ride, her first cruise, and her first time at the Disney theme park. Although confined to a wheelchair, Hennessy found enough accessible rides to add to the thrills of seeing Dora the Explorer and the Disney characters on board ship. There was even a pool in the shape of Mickey's head! The vacation fun was shared with her 3-year-old sister Alannah, her parents and her grandfather.

Hennessey has been in a wheelchair since she was two years old. That was when the cancer in her chest cavity, diagnosed when she was just 1½ , was surgically removed. After surgery, a substance was used to stop the bleeding, which reacted internally, compressing her spinal cord and causing paralysis.

Her sunny outlook is remarkable. When asked by her classmates, "Why are you in that chair?" Her matter-of-fact answer was, "I have a spinal cord injury and my legs don't work."

One of the dream highlights for Hennessy was meeting the Disney princesses at the magical castle. She was so excited-but her wonderful attitude towards life puts Hennessy head and shoulders above any fairy tale princess!

Caitlin

A week on a dude ranch! It was a dream come true for Caitlin, a lithe 7-year-old who loves horses! It didn't take Caitlin long to pick her favorite horse at the Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY. "Brady had the best trot," explained Caitlin. She not only rode him on the trails every day but learned how to brush him down, feed him and take good care of him. At least part of Caitlin's love of horses was inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie books and by Elizabeth and Felicity, her two American Girl dolls whose characters and stories are based in America's Revolutionary times. In spite of her Type I diabetes which requires Caitlin to check her blood six times a day, she kept on the go sun up to well after sun down.

Caitlin's parent's Laura and Don as well as her 10-year-old brother Ryan accompanied her for the activity-filled week. "There was something to do every minute," said Caitlin's mother. "They had paddle boats, miniature golf, a climbing wall, haunted hay rides, and a fun barn that was always open. It was a great week for all of us."

Jacob

Imagine being 11 years old, tackling the grown-up sixth grade — when the really serious learning subjects start challenging students — and already having faced four surgeries with more expected. Welcome to Jacob's world. Jacob was diagnosed with V.A.T.E.R Syndrome before he was even born. He has only one kidney and his esophagus had grown through his lung in vitro, a condition that had to be corrected immediately after birth. Currently he deals with recurring reflux due to the flap at the end of his esophagus not sealing correctly. His esophagus is also narrower than normal, causing food to lodge there instead of easily being swallowed.

Intelligent and quiet, Jacob is also an avid Yankee baseball fan. When the weather is good, he'll likely be out hiking or riding his bike. If it's not, Jacob will probably be found playing video games with his brother Daniel or his friends. Jacob's dream was to have his own unlimited video gaming system in his room. His dream became a reality in November when several boxes filled with his X-Box, Play Station, Wii and lots of games for each platform arrived at his home. To say his smile was radiant doesn't even begin to tell the story!

Daniel

Daniel, age six, is a Red Sox fan who likes baseball, riding his bike and playing video games with his brother.

Daniel was diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis and spends every morning of his life doing breathing treatments to keep his lungs clear. He has many medications that he needs to take everyday and must watch his diet closely but always has a smile on his face.

Daniel's dream is to get slimed at Nickelodeon studios, which he visited with his family in February 2008.

Ariel Meets Cinderella at the Royal Lunch at the Castle.

Ariel

Thirteen-year-old Ariel of West Haven has Cerebral Palsy and cannot walk.

Her dream was to go to Disney World and meet the princesses. Ariel and her mother went to Disney in August and had a trip to remember.

Ariel got to eat lunch at the Royal Table in the Castle with Cinderella and Prince Charming and many other princesses.

Ariel said this was definitely the highlight of the trip and that she will never forget it.

Her mother confirms this: her daughter has not stopped talking about the trip since they got home.

Ryan

Ryan is a young man affected by severe Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

A disease that affects the skin, this disorder causes a widespread rash that can develop into blisters and mucous membrane inflammation. Sometimes skin, nails and hair can peel away.

Ryan wanted a room makeover with a sports theme, and we wanted to deck his environment out in style.

His space is now complete with a ping pong table, pool table, dart board and a case to display his trophies.

Mary

Mary, who suffers from Alagille's Syndrome, a genetic liver disorder, dreamed of seeing Zebras and to swimming in the ocean.

The Dream Team found a way to combine the two in San Diego.

Mary caught a flight with her parents and younger brother to a resort destination on the Pacific.

They spent two days this April at the San Diego Zoo, where the zoo staff worked with us to arrange behind-the-scenes time and tours of the Zebra and Elephant facilities.

In Memory of . . .

Sydney, Bryanna DeSouza, Zachary Zowine, Samantha Potter, who have recently passed away. The volunteers of Dream Come True would like to express our deep regrets to the families of these dream children.