A Fairytale Foundation

A dream is a wish your heart makes  

when you're fast asleep 

In dreams you will lose your heartaches 

Whatever you wish for, you keep 

Have faith in your dreams and someday  

your rainbow will come smiling through 

No matter how your heart is grieving  

if you keep on believing 

The dream that you wish will come true.

These words, crooned by Cinderella to an enthusiastic audience of domestically-inclined woodland creatures, are not just mere childhood fantasy. Thanks to the incredibly organized, imaginative and successful efforts of Dream Foundation, many terminally-ill adults have realized their most cherished dreams. The foundation describes its dream-come-true work as follows:

Dream Foundation, founded in Santa Barbara in 1994 by Thomas Rollerson to honor the memory of Timothy Scott Palmer, is the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults with life-limiting illness. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families during the end of life’s journey. We do this by helping adults find peace and closure with the realization of a final wish.

Dream Granting Program

The Dream Granting Program is the heart and soul of Dream Foundation.

If you only had one year to live… …What would your DREAM be?

Some dreamers long to make happy, lasting memories with their loved ones. Others want a friend brought to their bedside for a few final moments of comfort. And still others desire to take a trip they’ve always dreamed of. Dreams can be about leaving a legacy, such as a garden, or publishing a book of poetry… or receiving help with a utility bill, or a wheelchair ramp. There are no typical dreams. Dreams are as unique as the dreamers.

Flower Empower

Special to Dream Foundation’s hometown of Santa Barbara, Flower Empower is a volunteer-driven program that delivers hope and compassion—in the form of beautiful bouquets—to those in need. Each Saturday, a group of volunteers gathers at the local farmers’ market, where they prepare dozens of arrangements using donated flowers, and then make deliveries to hospitals, hospices and homes. In addition to abundant bouquets, flower recipients also enjoy fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates and cards handmade by local school children.

The mission of Flower Empower is to ensure the recipients know they are not alone, and their community cares. Our hope is that volunteers across the country will establish Flower Empower programs in their own communities, spreading hope across the nation, one flower at a time.

Toy Program

Nearly 40 percent of our dream recipients have young children at home. Coping with the loss of a parent and the intense emotional, physical and financial strain terminal illness has on a family may well be the most difficult challenge a child can face. Dream Foundation’s Toy Program provides age-appropriate toys for dream recipients to give their children, allowing them to share happiness and smiles when illness has brought so much pain.

Funding the Fairytale

From our headquarters in Santa Barbara, and with a network of volunteers and supporters, we serve those in the greatest need around the country. We receive no state or federal funding, relying instead on the generosity of our supporters to fulfill dream requests. The work of Dream Foundation is made possible in part by a grant from Odyssey HealthCare Foundation.

The question they posed is profound... “If you only had one year to live… …What would your DREAM be?”

We’d love for you to share your thoughts and dreams with us on our Facebook page.  And while you're there, visit the Dream Foundation Facebook page too.