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100% of all donations go directly toward fulfilling the dreams of kids battling life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses.*

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They caught 50 fish during this excursion
Brayden

dreamed of

Fishing and hiking with his family in Bar Harbor Maine
Callyn & Family getting ready to leave for her dream trip
Callyn

dreamed of

Going to Orlando and Give Kids The World
Lakelynn with two Disney Princesses
Lakelynn

dreamed of

a family vacation to visit Disney World with her family
Andi's Dream Cruise
Andi

dreamed of

After enduring two surgeries, months of chemotherapy she chose a cruise
Chance loves Christmas
Chance

dreamed of

Going to Orlando and Give Kids The World
Emory having fun and having her face painted.
Emory

dreamed of

Going to Orlando and Give Kids The World
Ayven and Family at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Avyen

dreamed of

Vacationing to Orlando and Give Kids The World with his family
Hayden on the water slide on the cruise ship
Hayden

dreamed of

a cruise adventure
Max giving Mickey a BIG hug.
Maximus

dreamed of

going to Disney World and Give Kids the World
Thomas and baby sister having a swing on his new playset
Thomas

dreamed of

a backyard playground
Hailee

dreamed of

Going to Orlando and Give Kids The World
Eden

dreamed of

A room makeover
Finish On The Field
October 18, 2025

at

8:00 am
5K & 2.5K
Finishing on the Field
40th Anniversary Gala
April 30, 2026

at

6:00 pm
The Dream Connection: Making Dreams Come True for over 40 years
Get Your Tickets Now to the 40th Anniversary Gala.
Thank You Garza Law Firm!
The Garza Law Firm Dream Connection Benefit Ride, held on May 31st, was a huge success. Starting with breakfast at Bootlegger Harley Davidson on Lovell Road, and then 100 plus moto (…)
Thank You MDRT!
MDRT Foundation gave The Dream Connection a grant of $5000, which will go toward funding a dream for an East Tennessee child fighting chronically debilitating or life-threatening i (…)
MDRT Logo

What We Do

Dream Connection is a nonprofit that connects kids and their families with the funding they need to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and forget about hospitals, medicines and treatments for a short time.

The Dream Connection works like this:

1.
A Child is Nominated

2.
We learn about their dreams

3.
We pair them with a Dream Captainto pilot the process

4.
We find a way to fulfill their dream!

The Latest Dreams Come True

See some of the dreams that recently became reality – thanks to generous donors like YOU!


They caught 50 fish during this excursion
Brayden's Dream
"It’s been incredible!"
What a perfect morning! We walked to the lighthouse, picked shells, then saw porpoises, grey seals, eagles, and caught more than 50 fish! It’s been incredible!
Callyn & Family getting ready to leave for her dream trip
Callyn's Dream
"Callyn got to experience the magic of her dream trip and create these special memories with her family"
Callyn got to experience the magic of her dream trip and create these special memories with her family.
Lakelynn with two Disney Princesses
Lakelynn's Dream
"Lakelynn experienced the magic, joy, and freedom every child deserves!"
Lakelynn's dream was to visit Disney World with her family and stay at Give Kids the World Village, where she experienced the magic, joy, and freedom every child deserves.
Andi's Dream Cruise
Andi's Dream
"Andi went down waterslides, spent hours swimming and shopping, watched amazing shows, and indulged in delicious food"
Andi went down waterslides, spent hours swimming and shopping, watched amazing shows, indulged in delicious food, and enjoyed all the ice cream she could possibly eat.
Chance loves Christmas
Chance's Dream
"Chance got to make these unforgettable memories and share his contagious smile with us!"
Hailee is most excited to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios!
Emory having fun and having her face painted.
Emory's Dream
"Emory and her family spent time together making joyful memories that will last a lifetime."
Emory’s dream came true! She and her family spent time together at Disney World and Give Kids the World, making joyful memories that will last a lifetime.
Ayven and Family at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Avyen's Dream
"The stay at Give Kids the World Village was beyond our expectations. It was like staying in a fairy tale, with so much to do."
The stay at Give Kids the World Village was beyond our expectations.
Hayden on the water slide on the cruise ship
Hayden's Dream
"Hayden had such an unforgettable time at sea! From snorkeling and water parks to teen events and late-night pizza with the boys."
Hayden had such an unforgettable time at sea! From snorkeling and water parks to teen events and late-night pizza with the boys.
Max giving Mickey a BIG hug.
Maximus's Dream
"Max and his family experienced a dream come true at Give Kids The World"
Max and his family experience a dream come true at Give Kids The World—making joyful memories, relaxing, and simply enjoying time together as a family.
Thomas and baby sister having a swing on his new playset
Thomas's Dream
"Let the good times roll — and climb and slide!"
Thomas is enjoying the outdoors on his new playset. Let the good times roll -- and climb and slide!
Hailee's Dream
"Flying for the first time is a magical experience"
Hailee is most excited to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios!
Eden's Dream
"She envisioned a space with light, airy, and modern boho vibes"
Eden's dream of a room makeover was a hit!

The Dream Connection by the Numbers

29

Dreams Fulfilled Each Year

40

Years of Making Dreams Come True

1128

Total Dreams Fulfilled by The Dream Connection

16

Counties Served in East TN

About The Dream Connection

Dream Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers that is focused on raising money to help fulfill the dreams of children diagnosed with life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses.

Established under Tennessee law in October 1985, The Dream Connection remains the only organization of its kind serving 16 counties of East Tennessee.

Memorable fulfilled dreams include trips to Dollywood, Disney World and LEGOLAND, as well as meetings with Tennessee native Kenny Chesney.

Group photo at the airport

Meet Our Dreamy Sponsors & Partners

Garze Law Firm Logo
Full Spectrum Marketing Logo
Olympus Car & Coach Logo

*Garza Law’s support ensures every dollar donated goes toward a child’s dream

The Latest from the Dream Connection

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Turn a Kid's Dream Into Reality!

Want to bring joy and light into a child’s life? Your contributions help us make a big impact on kids with dreams that seem big to them – but are small compared to what they endure every day.