Princess Elsa joins the Dream Machine Team

It was a dream come true for all the children in the Mid-West School for the Hearing Impaired when the Share a Dream Foundation arrived in the Dream Machine last Friday to put on a special show and brought a new addition Princess Elsa!

The children were so excited as they got to enjoy a special performance by Frozen’s Princess Elsa and characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Woody before getting to step inside the magical Dream Machine and experience its true magic.

“It was an amazing day said Principal of the School Maria Allen and all the children and staff had such a wonderful time. Share a Dream is such a wonderful charity taking time out to do this for special children like ours.”

“Four years ago when we were making a dream come true  for a terminally ill child in his home we realised that there must be hundreds of children fighting terrible life threatening illness and disabilities confined to their homes and all too often forgotten”, said Shay Kinsella Founder.

So we designed the very unique special Dream Machine to bring a little magic something special into the lives of these children by bringing their dream to their homes because all too often they can feel forgotten about.  We felt if these children can’t get to us then we will go to them in their homes or hospitals.

Some 500 very special children have experienced the absolute joy happiness and living memories of what a visit from the dream machine brings into their lives.

There is no greater joy to see the smile of a very special child who has suffered so much pain heartache disappointment knowing you helped make it happen its magic.

Tadhg becomes lead BOI mascot for Munster Rugby team

Saturday February 28th was a day that Tadhg Broderick from KIillarney will never forget. Tadhg, who's 12, suffers from severe Pulmonary Hypertension meaning that he cannot play rugby, one of his biggest interests. However, his illness didn't stop him from having his dream realised at Irish Independent Park, Cork by Munster Rugby and the Share A Dream Foundation.

Tadhg became the Bank of Ireland mascot that led the Munster team out of the dressing room and to their victory over Glasgow Warriors. Tadhg is a massive rugby fan so was thrilled when he found out he was going to be able to meet all the members of his favourite team, especially the captain Denis Hurley and Kerry's own JJ Hanrahan. Tadhg and his family were also given four stand tickets to enjoy the game and create a dream that he and his family will never forget.

Oisin's dream to meet the Irish Rugby Team

Oisin from Carlow realised his dream on Tuesday the 24th of February when he met the Irish Rugby team at Carton House. He travelled to Carton House in the Dream Machine but that was only the start of his amazing day! Oisin, who's 15 and suffers with Friedreichs Ataxia, was greeted by all the players while they trained in preparation of their massive 6 Nations clash at home to England. To top his day off, Oisin received a signed home and away Irish rugby jersey on the day and became friends with all the players.

Oisin's mum Elaine said "Thank you Share A Dream for making Oisin's dream come true. A wonderful day with memories to treasure. The Irish Rugby team were so nice and they spent so much time with Oisin"

We would like to thank all at the IRFU and Carton House for their help and kindness in making Oisin's dream come true.

Dream Machine brings a little magic to 3yr old Limerick “miracle boy”

Cian Murphy has been extremely ill since the day he was born and spent the first 21 months of his life in Our Lady’s Hospital for Children in Crumlin.

Cian has an unknown diagnosis. He has a tracheostomy, is on a ventilator and also has congenital cardiac and endocrineissues.

Cian only returned home to Limerick in October 2013 and now in conjunction with the Limerick Regional hospital Cian is doing very well since his return. According to his mum Orla “he has had a few blips since he came home but thankfully he is now doing great, even starting pre-school in January.  He is our miracle little man and we are very proud of him.”

So, when Cian’s SNA Majella contacted Share a Dream to see if they could make Cian’s 3^rd birthday a very special day with a visit from their magical Dream Machine they immediately said of course!

So, last Saturday the 17^th the magical Dream Machine arrived to his home in Rhebogue along with Woody, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse much to the highlight of Cian, his cousins and friends.

After Cian and all his friends enjoyed his birthday party inside his home with all the characters even “bum shuffling” with Mickey Mouse they then spent an hour enjoying the magic that is the “Dream Machine.”

Dream Machine delivers Santa to the door of Limerick Boy Joey

When Joey Enright saw the Share A Dreams “Dream Machine” pull up outside his home in Clonard, Westbury little did he know more surprises lay inside. 

Joey’s dad approached Share A Dream as he was struggling to get his young son into the spirit of Christmas. Joey absolutely loves Santa. This year however Joeys Dad, Keith, Was struggling to find somewhere that caters to Joeys unique needs.

In a letter sent to Share A DREAM Keith wrote,“Our son Joey suffers from Autism and we are finding it very difficult to find a place to see Santa. He becomes uncomfortable in large crowds and really struggles with long queues. He loves meeting Santa but we can’t seem to get a grotto to cater to his needs and as we can’t take our other children without him unfortunately they are also missing out which is heart-breaking”.

Something very special happened, however, on Thursday evening when Santa abandoned his sleigh and hitched a ride in the Dream Machine to visit Joey, his family and friends. Being purpose built to appeal to children of all abilities the Dream Machine was the ideal mode of transport for Santa on this occasion. 

“This has been a truly magical experience for Joey and the entire family. We cannot believe that Share A Dream have organised all this for Joey on such short notice. We are absolutely blown away and so grateful”, said Joeys dada Keith.