Dreams inspire hope and a belief in the future. Reach For A Dream is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Each month, we fulfil hundreds of dreams, bringing smiles to the faces of brave children. Our Dreams Matter feature is a look at the special moments that have brought joy and inspired many to be resilient and hope for a better tomorrow.

Lamla shows pride in his isiXhosa heritage

18-year-old Lamla dreamed of something special that makes him proud to be umXhosa. The welcoming and funny teenager from Vredendal is bravely fighting Leukaemia but he does not let it stop him from being the outgoing and stylish child his friends and family know him to be.

Lamla dreamed of documenting his passion for his heritage. He shared that umBhaco will make him feel like a king. Bravely fighting leukaemia, he dressed in his best isiXhosa traditional attire for a photoshoot.

On his dream day, he knew what was ahead and was brimming with excitement. The thought of having his dream come true had Lamla and his mom laughing and sharing stories all the way to the studio.

Cheered on by everyone in the studio, his dream day brought him joy and the strength to keep going.

Zoe’s baking surprise

Zoe, 17, is the life of the party. she is talkative and radiates magical energy. The teenager from Cape Town is diagnosed with Ovarian Sertoli, however, her illness does not dim her bright light.

She dreamed of owning her very own cellphone so she can stay connected with her friends and family. On her dream day, she spent time baking, an activity she loves and enjoys.

Zoe baked and decorated her own cake and the cherry on top? Her dream reveal. Her new cellphone was wrapped beautifully and placed in one of the cake boxes. When she saw it, she squealed with excitement and could not stop giggling at her dream coming true.

Sbonokuhle meets his icon

14-year-old Sbonokuhle is passionate about the Zulu culture. When describing what he likes wearing, amaBhinca come first in his mind. Diagnosed with a spinal tumour, the shy boy from Denver in Johannesburg enjoys his favourite artist, Big Zulu’s music.

On his dream day, Sbonokuhle was surprised by a visit from his icon. Not only that, Big Zulu made his deam come true and revealed the Bhinca clothing Sbonokuhle dreamed of.

The two shared a beautiful conversation and even promised to share a stage one day when Sbonokuhle is out of hospital.

Sbonokuhle’s dream gave him the courage to continue bravely fighting his illness, sharing a stage with his favourite artist the motivation he needs. Watch Sbonokuhle’s dream.

Dreams give children the power to believe in a brighter tomorrow. The joy and relief their dream days bring give them lifelong memories and remind us why dreams matter. Stay tuned for next month’s edition of dreams that matter.