More than 35 years ago, a simple act of compassion planted the seed for what would become The Dream Connection. Founder B.J. Price met a child at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) whose only wish was to see his grandmother in California before he passed away. The family did not have the financial means to make the trip, and after B.J. reached out to several sources seeking assistance, every request came back unsuccessful. Then, in an extraordinary act of generosity, an anonymous donor stepped forward and provided the family’s plane tickets, making the child’s final wish possible.
That experience inspired B.J. to create The Dream Connection so that other children facing life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses would have the opportunity to experience the joy, hope, and lasting memories that come from having a dream fulfilled.
Today, more than 35 years later and with over 1,100 dreams granted, The Dream Connection continues to bring hope, happiness, and unforgettable experiences to children throughout East Tennessee and their families.
As part of celebrating our journey, we’re honored to share this incredible collage created by long-time board member John Milam. Using treasured videos, newspaper articles, and photographs from his personal archives, John has beautifully captured the history, heart, and impact of The Dream Connection over the decades. We hope you enjoy this special look back at the countless lives touched by the power of a dream.