Children of Courage 2014

There was great excitement as 9 very special children gathered in Limerick for the 14^th National Children of Courage Awards hosted by the Share A Dream Foundation. First stop a trip to see Santa courtesy of The Santa Experience .

These children, who have shown unbelievable courage and determination in the face of illness, have been selected from nominations from all over Ireland. Their determination to get as much out of life as possible in spite of their illness or disability will be honoured at the Dream Ball and National Children of Courage Awards Saturday Night in the Raddisson Hotel.

The event, hosted by the brilliant Noel Cunningham and special guest, All Ireland winning Manager Brian Cody, will include video messages of congratulations from top secret tv and sporting personalities. To top off an already exciting weekend each Children of Courage Winner will receive a Dream from the Share A Dream Foundation in the new year with requests range from a Pug Puppy, meeting Irish Rugby Heroes to Trips to Disneyland.

The children who received awards are Jake Naughton (15) from Wexford, Alex Foley (3) from Cork, Sam Carroll (4) from Meath, Oisin Pollard (15) from Carlow, Hannah May Carroll (3) from Athlone, Davina Flaherty (9) from Portumna, Bianca O’Brien (6) Fethard, Lily Mae Morrisson (6, and last but not least Ben Herbert. (8) from Dublin.

Kellie's Dream Come True

12 years old Kellie Brennan from Gorey is unlike most 12 year old girls her age as she has been her mum Caroline’s carer for the past few years as unfortunately her mum has been battling ill health.

Kellie does everything for her Mum always with a smile and never complains and has had to forget her childhood and grow up very quickly to accept way more responsibility that no child her age should have to do.

Staff at Paddy Mc Auleys  pharmacy, Gorey were so moved by this heart breaking story that they contacted Wexford man Shay Kinsella of the Share a Dream Foundation to ask if in anyway this wonderful young 12 year old could be recognised for her unbelievable love and support she gives her Mum.

Being from Camolin and touched by this wonderful little girls love for her mum we will give Kellie a very special day and treat her like a Princess.  Mum Caroline said it would mean so much to both of them to just have one very special day away from all the heartache and pain they have both gone through together and her and her daughter having a wonderful girly day together. It would get them through some really tough times ahead with a beautiful memory of a very special day

So, on Saturday 18^th October Caroline and Kellie arrived at Paddy Mc Auley Pharmacy where they were met by all the staff who first of all took Kellie and mum off to have her nails and make up. After having some sparkling Lemonade and champagne and receiving lots of beautiful gifts both mum and daughter headed off to have their hair done.

Jim of His & Hers hair salon immediately got to work on transforming Kellie’s hair while mum watched on.

Then it was time for shopping as they headed first of all to the Jewellers for some beautiful jewellery.  Next for some clothes and Kellie was dressed from head to toe at 34^th boutique.  Then to Funages were she received a beautiful pair of Converse sneakers.

After a hectic day it was time for resting so Kellie & her mum were then collected by Pat of Claddagh Limos and along with Garda Escort brought to the beautiful Arklow Bay hotel, Wicklow.  There they checked into their gorgeous suite and enjoyed a delicious dinner and later relaxing together for the evening to reminisce on a fantastic day together.k

Students Unite to Smile for Dreams

Smile for dreams is a very simple and fun way that everyone can help us to raise funds, create awareness and be part of something really special at the touch of a button.

You simply take a Selfie, Text SHARE to 50300 and donate €2 to Share a Dream and then post your Selfie on FB, Twitter, Instagram etc with the tagline #smilefordreams

We are absolutely thrilled that the Students Union of UL, Mary Immaculate College, LIT and College of Art  and eight secondary schools have come behind this campaign to build Dreamland and they are urging all the thousands of students on campus to smile for dreams and get texting! Students are doing it for kids who can’t do it for themselves.  

Mayor of Limerick Michael Sheehan has been behind this campaign from the start and hosted the launch in his chambers for the charity and is also urging everyone to support the campaign for smile for dreams.

Dream Monster Run Kilkenny

It was a great day at this year’s Dream Monster Fun Run on Sunday 26^th October when ghouls, ghosts and goblins all turned out in support of the Share a Dream Foundation and help raise funds for sick children.

The 5km Fun Run kicked off at 12noon at the New Park Hotel after a Zumba warm up with instructor Finn.  Mc on the day Mr Phil Cawley got everyone ready before setting them all off to run around the streets of Kilkenny.

A huge thanks to the Newpark Hotel for organising this year’s event in aid of the Share a Dream Foundation and all the wonderful people of Kilkenny for showing their support on the day.

Share a Dream can be contacted at 061200080/200083 www.shareadream.ie www.facebook.com/shareadream

Winner of best dressed halloween costume with Kilkenny Rose Vera Mc Grath & Daniel Mc Daid of the Newpark Hotel.

Emma's Dream comes true of Recording her own CD

14yr old Emma Keogh from Clondalkin is like most young teenagers her age she loves music and dance.  However unlike most girls her age Emma has a multitude of medical problems and has not walked in over two years.

Emma attends a different hospital every week and her worst problem is CRS or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome in her left foot which means Emma is in pain 24/7.  As a result of this Emma suffers from very low mood and is very socially withdrawn compared to a girl her age.

Emma has recently been to the UK for treatment and surgery.  Her dad says that Emma’s condition affects the entire family and people are so ignorant of chronic pain.  Now her parents hope doctors in the UK can do more for her and make life better for Emma.

When Emma’s parents contacted Share a Dream they told them that Emma was a fantastic singer who has been in some competitions and her big dream would be to record her own CD.

So, on Friday the 5^th September at 10am Emma arrived at Virtue Studios in Croke Park Industrial Estate.  There she was met by Barry and Dean from Virtue Studios who made her feel like a real pop diva as sand her heart out recording six songs until 2pm.

At 3pm and after a hectic morning Emma and her family then headed off to Nandos in Blanchardstown for some delicious food and relax before the big event that evening.

Then at 530pm Emma headed over to the Olympia Theatre were she was on the Guest list for the Original Rude Boys concert. Before taking her seat Emma had a special meeting with all three lads getting autographs and photos with them before heading into her VIP seat with her family to watch the show.

Later she returned home with some fantastic memories of her dream day.

Share a Dream would like to thank everyone involved in making this dream day for Emma in particular Nikki Hayes of Spin FM, Virtua Media, MCD, Nandos.