Want to help make a child's dream come true?
Be a Dream Maker!100% of all donations go directly toward fulfilling the dreams of kids battling life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses.*
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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!
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.
Meet Our Dreamy Sponsors & Partners
*Garza Law’s support ensures every dollar donated goes toward a child’s dream
The Latest from the Dream Connection
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.
DREAM CHILD: Hayden ✨
DREAM CAPTAINS: Beth Milam & DeeAnn Gionta
Meet Hayden, a remarkable 17-year-old whose strength and determination continue to inspire everyone around him.
Hayden was diagnosed with localized Ewing sarcoma of the left proximal femur on November 15, 2024. His treatment journey has included intensive chemotherapy and a surgical resection in February 2025, during which his tumor was removed and a prosthesis was placed.
A dedicated athlete and catcher for Karns High School’s baseball team, Hayden has always dreamed of playing college baseball. Receiving a cancer diagnosis—especially one affecting his leg—was an unimaginable challenge. Yet through every appointment, treatment, and obstacle, Hayden and his family have never lost their faith or their unwavering positivity.
Because of his own cancer journey, Hayden now hopes to become a pediatrician so he can help other children and families facing difficult medical challenges. He also looks forward to getting back on the baseball field, doing what he loves most.
At The Dream Connection, we strive to make dreams come true for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses. While a dream trip to Hawaii is often beyond what our organization can provide alone, Hayden’s incredible community stepped in to make the impossible possible. Through the generous fundraising efforts of Karns High School and the University of Tennessee Chi Omega chapter, additional funds were raised to help support Hayden’s dream of experiencing Hawaii with his family.
Hayden’s journey is a testament to the power of community. We are honored to be a small part of his story and cannot wait to see all that his future holds!
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
We so appreciate everything you all have done and we will forever be indebted!
I absolutely love this!!!!
Want to help make a child's dream come true? ✨
Be a Dream Maker!
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