Born at just 25 weeks, weighing 550 grams, Luke spent the first 3 months in the NICU. Dealing with the life long complications of chronic lung disease, hypothyroidism, g-tube feeds and autism spectrum disorder, Luke has blossomed into a precocious 10 year old expert on Toy Story and the history of the Toys R Us chain. Alberta Dreams was thrilled to provide Luke and his family with the adventure of a lifetime when they were able to visit Toy Story Land in Disney World, Florida this past fall. Luke will forever cherish his memories of meeting his favorite Toy Story character Woody and going on the Toy Story rollercoaster. Mom loved the special memories created getting the many autographs of the characters and pin trading with Luke along their adventures and dad enjoyed going on all of the amazing rides with his son.

Layla started having seizures at 4 months old, was later diagnosed with a seizure disorder and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 2 years of age. Layla relies on a wheelchair for mobility and her family for 1:1 constant care. Layla loves swimming, being out doors, visiting the zoo, the Muttart and Ft Edmonton Park. This past spring Layla’s dream to see the ocean came true with a family trip to the west coast to visit Vancouver BC. Alberta Dreams was thrilled to arrange Layla’s adventures with help of some very special friends to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and of course Layla’s favorite, the behind the scenes tour of the Greater Vancouver Zoo where she loved the train, seeing the giraffes and feeding the hippos carrots. Layla and her family also enjoyed visiting the beach, a special harbor tour and so much more – taking in all that this amazing city had to offer. We were thrilled to hear all about the amazing memories created along the way and to hear the confidence they were able to build with this trip and their new plans for more future travel.

Living with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, global and developmental delay, and a brain malformation means that this wonderful teen needs a lot of help from her family but does not mean she can’t or doesn’t live her life to the fullest. Supported by an extremely close immediate and extended family, Jacey loves to be the center of attention. The glue holding her family together, she was just that on her once in a lifetime dream trip. Alberta Dreams was beyond thrilled when we learned that not only would Jacey and her immediate family be going on a spectacular trip to Give Kids the World Village but that 8 other family members were all joining them in Disney World to share in this momentous event. Everyone found something special and created memories they will never forget. Jacey loved all of the Disney characters, especially Fancy Nancy, the Animal Safari, and stopping at Belle’s Castle for snacks. Her sister loved Harry Potter World, how real everything seemed, learning to do magic, and riding the Hogwarts’ Express. Mom’s favourite was the Animal Kingdom and Dad enjoyed the Hollywood Studios Parade.

Being non-verbal has many of its own challenges but Claire’s love of music, especially the piano, is apparent for all who see her with her new keyboard, iPad, and custom mount. Relying on a wheelchair for mobility and coping with global delays and seizures, this now 18 year old can take her love of music anywhere. Alberta Dreams is over the moon making this dream come true for Claire. With the utmost gratitude and special appreciation to the staff at Amadeus Music (https://www.amadeusmusic.ca/)for donating Claire’s keyboard, Bill and team from Ideas for Independent Living (https://ideasfil.com/)for the custom solution for the iPad and keyboard wheelchair mount, and Claire’s teachers and occupational therapists from Britannia School for their support, recommendations and help installing the new mount.

Life changed instantly for Toby and his family in May 2020 when the then 9 year old Toby collapsed and was non-responsive. He was rushed to the hospital where they learned he had suffered a series of cerebellar strokes. The next several months, even years, Toby worked hard to regain his ability to talk, walk, and write. Though he still has some residual effects from his stroke, he is mostly recovered and living his best life. Thanks to the most amazing support of The Petersen Automotive Museum (https://www.petersen.org/)and the unwavering dedication of an awesome Mr. Matt Katz, who personally moved heaven and earth to fulfill Toby’s dream this past summer. Alberta Dreams was able to provide Toby with the most spectacular adventure of a family trip to Los Angeles California to not only see a Bugatti Chiron in person but to be able to go for a ride in his dream car. While in California Toby and his family were able to connect with their extended family, visit Legoland and make some new life long friendships with The Petersen Museum, many of their employees, and Mr. Katz.

As a child Taz struggled with a seizure disorder that resulted in a stroke at the age of 5 leading to complex behavioural and social issues through out his childhood. Newly diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia this young man recently celebrated his milestone 18th birthday knowing that he will face many new challenges in the years to come. Taz loves to watch You Tube videos and used to love swimming before he found the public pools too cold. Alberta Dreams hopes that Taz’s dream for a new hot tub will help to alleviate some of the pain and muscle spams he experiences and provide him and his family with a place to hang out and enjoy the warm soothing and relaxing water in their own hot tub in their backyard for many years to come.

Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome results in frequent joint dislocation, sprains, other injuries, and leads to a life with acute and chronic pain. In addition Kade will live with deteriorating vision and hearing, migraines and mobility issues. Though their medical condition will impact Kade’s ability to work a regular fulltime job, Kade enjoys spending their time volunteering for causes that they are passionate about and supporting social justice causes and human rights organizations. Kade loves the ocean and has always wanted to spend some time learning about sharks and other ocean critters. Alberta Dreams was thrilled to make their once in a life time dream come true with a family trip to Monterey California with a special visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where they got a behind the scenes tour of the large aquarium systems and a meet and greet with many of the ocean animals. In additional Kade and their family enjoyed whale watching, shopping at target and the cute little shops in the harbor, the great food and spending quality family time on the beach. A special Thank-You to 100+ Women Who Care – Sherwood Park f(https://www.100womenshpk.com/)or their generous support to make this dream come true.

Kennice’s dream for quality time with her family came true with an amazing visit to Niagara Falls and Toronto. She and her family relaxed and played at the Great Wolfe Lodge and experience all the falls had to offer before heading back to the city where they visited Ripley’s Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo, the CN Tower, Canada’s Wonderland and so much more. Alberta Dreams hopes this amazing once in a lifetime birthday celebration for this now 7 year old born with extreme prematurity and the challenges that come with that, helps to create new memories and brings joy to this young family for many years to come.

Emery-Jordin lives with epilepsy, her seizures began at 6 months old and for her this disease will forever be a part of her life. She will never be seizure free but this inspiring young 8 year old sees that only as a challenge to help to educate those around her and one day be able to help other children like her experience with Alberta Dreams. She is fearless and brave, loves adventure and likes to help with everything. Like all children her age Emery dreamt of going to Disney and this past November that dream came true.

Born at just 26 weeks, Austin and his brother would both be significantly impacted by being born with underdeveloped lungs. Austin would spend the first 18 months in the hospital and would require frequent hospital stays until he was 4 years old. Now 10, living with chronic lung disease and still requiring 16 hours of oxygen support daily, Austin is working at being weened off but is easily winded and struggles with too much physical activity. With special thanks to Brian and his team from Go RV in Red Deer for going above and beyond to make sure this wonderful family got everything they could want to meet both boys needs for a true dream come true RV. Austin was thrilled with the amazing big screen TV and extra supportive handrail to make his trips around the province enjoyable too. Alberta Dreams was delighted to hear all about how much this lovely family enjoyed travelling for baseball tournaments all around Alberta and their visits to Red Lodge and Half Moon Lake this past camping season. We hope you have many more seasons together camping in your new RV.

With twins born 7 years ago, both with Cerebral Palsy, this family of 5 spends a lot of time dealing with medical appointments, surgeries, and physical and occupational therapy. As the children grew, Lola’s condition was more severe than that of her brothers and left her dependent on a crocodile walker, wheelchair for longer distances, and dealing with epilepsy among other things. But none of that defines her. Lola is very active – loves gymnastics, swimming and school but above all else Lola loves Mario video games. Alberta Dreams was amazed when we were able to help this family celebrate all 3 kids’ golden birthdays in California at Super Nintendo World. They loved visiting the Toad Cafe and getting to “be in a Mario Kart Game” on Browsers Challenge. In addition to Universal Studios, they visited Legoland where the rides are great for kids and “not scary”, and spent a ton of time at the spray park at their hotel. We are thrilled that Lola’s brother loved all the good food and that Mom and Dad got to live this vacation through the eyes of their children. We hope these memories will last a lifetime!

This bright and energetic 12 year old is a twin, he and his brother were born at 27 weeks. Kanen spent the first 126 days in the NICU and lives with spastic/dystonic, diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Kanen is very funny and outgoing, he plays in a bowling league, plays sledge hockey, enjoys cross country skiing and hand biking. He also likes Lego, listening to music, and movie night with his family. Most of all Kanen loves gaming. Alberta Dreams was thrilled to make Kanen’s dream come true for an Extreme Gaming/You Tuber Computer set up including a new height adjustable desk, gaming chair, dual monitors, gaming system, gaming keyboard and mouse and so much more. A special Thank You Tyler, Tim, and the team at Memory Express Calgary North West (https://www.memoryexpress.com/Store/Location/CalSE)for helping to make Kanen Dream Come True extra special. Visiting your store and meeting your staff was super fun and Kanen loved it.

Born with an omphalocele and pentalogy of the heart, Kayden is a true superhero. He has over come so many challenges already in his young life and he is one of the bravest boys we know. He likes to be outside playing, running, exploring and riding his bike. He enjoys soccer, building, and fixing things. Kayden especially loves superheroes. So what better than a once in a lifetime epic superhero family party to celebrate Kayden and all he has fought to over come these past 4 and half years. Alberta Dreams had help from so many wonderful community supporters who were deeply touched by Kayden story. A very special thank you to Rossdale Community Hall,(https://www.rossdale.ca/hall-rental) Sage Printing,(https://sageprint.ca/) Vimark Solutions,(https://vimark.ca/) Oodles of Doodles YEG,(https://ooodlesofdoodles.com/) McDonalds Garneau,(https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/location/edmonton/garneau/8415-109th-street/29722.html) and A Charmed Affair (https://www.acharmedaffair.ca/)for your discounts and donations, Mojo Photos (https://mojophoto.ca/)for saving the day, and so many more amazing vendors. Kayden especially enjoyed the bouncy castle, the face painter and the special visit from Black Panther and Spiderman. It was an amazing day shared with 60 or so of their closest friends and family that this wonderful family will never forget.

Jaxson and his twin brother were born extremely premature, at just 26 weeks. Spending the first year in hospital and then in and out of the hospital for frequent stays until he was 4 years old, Jaxson had pulmonary hypertension and will continue to struggle with chronic lung disease. But with much determination and the love of baseball he was able to be weened off oxygen and worked extremely hard to make his local AA Baseball Team. With the wonderful help of Brian and his team from Go RV (https://www.gorv.ca/)in Red Deer this amazing 10 year old was able to join his teammates at tournaments and games all across Alberta this past season with all of the comforts of home. Congratulations Jaxson on an amazing baseball season and finishing 1st in your division! Alberta Dreams hopes you and your family will enjoy many more baseball seasons together in your new RV.

Living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, keeps Ollie and his family on constant alert. But this happy and easy going 10 year old has a good heart; Ollie loves animals, especially dogs and loves to spend his free time giving back to his community. Despite his numerous heart surgeries and long stays in the Stollery, Ollie and his mom volunteer there any chance they get. He enjoys Volt hockey, Lego, his stuffies, playing video games and hanging out with his family watching movies. Alberta Dreams was over the moon to make Ollie’s dream come true for a family trip to Disney World where he could just be a kid. Ollie, his parents, and older sister were able to take it all in at the amazing Give Kids the World Village earlier this year. Ollie was amazed by the wonderful staff and volunteers who went out of there way to make his visit spectacular. He loved the food, especially the ice cream at Starlite Scoops, the arcade, and the train room. Ollie’s favorite memory from his trip was the look on his dad’s face when his sister made him go on the roller-coaster. Alberta Dreams is so happy to have been apart of this wonderful experience.

Living with Moebius Syndrome for Piper and her family can be challenging at times. She relies on her family for all of her care and though Piper is non verbal, she certainly has no troubles communicating what makes her happy. Piper enjoys music, bright lights and colors, and bubbles. She loves to be in the water swimming, and she loves Disney movies. Her favorites are Tangled, Moana, and Frozen. We were delighted to hear about the amazing experiences they had when Piper’s dreams came true on their family trip to Give Kids the World – Disney World, Florida where Piper played in the pools and fountains, loved the horses, playgrounds, and Disney characters. Her favorite ride was Frozen at Epcot and she loved the aquariums and getting splashed by the orcas at SeaWorld.