The Dream Connection

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The Dream Connection

Established and incorporated under Tennessee state law on October 10, 1985, The Dream Connection, Inc. is a non-profit organization.

We are a group of volunteers dedicated to fulfilling the special dreams of children ages 3-18 who are faced with life threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses in the East Tennessee area. 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS GO TO FULFILLING THE DREAMS. Our goal is to accept and raise charitable contributions exclusively for fulfilling the "once-in-a-lifetime dream come true" of children between the

ages of three and eighteen, with life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses in the East Tennessee community. We are dedicated to directing 100% of its contributions to fulfilling the dreams of the children it serves. As the only organization of its kind in East Tennessee, The Dream Connection is the result of a group of volunteers who realized the need for an organization dedicated to fulfilling the special dreams of children battling life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses. 25 years and thousands of dreams later, The Dream Connection continues to fulfill the dreams of children diagnosed with leukemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. About 60 to 75 dreams are fulfilled per year through the support of individuals, businesses, and civic organizations. There are no traditional expenses, such as those of an office, executive director salary or other general expenses normally associated with such an organization. Staffed completely by volunteers, The Dream Connection donates time, money, and in-kind gifts towards making these dreams reality. First Tennessee Bank in Knoxville provides a grant to fund The Dream Connection's telephone "Dream Line". In addition, other expenses such as post office box rental, printing supplies and postage are funded through direct grants associated with volunteer board members or the local business firms they represent. Operated solely by a volunteer board of directors, an advisory board and other concerned citizens, they donate their time and efforts to raising funds for dreams come true for these special children.

06/24/2026

Want to help make a child's dream come true? ✨
Be a Dream Maker!

https://dreamconnection.org/

06/19/2026

DREAM CHILD: Taylor ✨
DREAM CAPTAINS: Mary Palmer & Dustin Fagan

Cancer is a journey that changes the course of many lives. When Taylor was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 16, it altered her plans of joining the Air Force as a pilot. Yet through every challenge, she remained focused on her passion for aviation, pursuing training with her high school's mechanical support program and continuing to look toward the future with determination. ✈️

Taylor's dream reflected that unwavering passion. As Sandy Gilliam, her social worker at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, shared, Taylor "...would love to see and meet the Blue Angels.... I am consistently impressed by her wisdom and ability to lead life with a great sense of humor!"

Through a serendipitous connection at a wedding, Sandy met Blue Angels pilot Josh, who connected Taylor's Dream Connection captains with Rodney Warner, director of the air show in Dayton, OH. Thanks to Mr. Warner's generosity, Taylor received a VIP experience at the June 13 air show, including time with the Blue Angels maintenance team and a ride aboard an Army Huey helicopter.

Mr. Warner also connected Taylor with the Special Wish Foundation, which welcomed her to its pre-show event featuring the Blue Angels pilots. Special Wish coordinator Tyler Gregory then introduced Taylor to Captain Josh Fugle of the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Inspired by their own family's experience with childhood cancer, the 445th team created an unforgettable experience for Taylor, including time with the maintenance crew, meeting pilots, and getting an up-close look at her favorite aircraft, the C-17, on arrival day. To make the experience even more special, Captain Fugle presented Taylor with her own Air Force uniform.

The dream concluded with one final highlight—a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. From the exceptional care provided by Olympus Limo Service to the support of the teams at McGhee Tyson Airport and Delta Air Lines, countless individuals came together to ensure Taylor enjoyed an unforgettable dream trip. ✈️💙

06/16/2026

DREAM CHILD: Logan ✨
DREAM CAPTAINS: Ed Knowling and Beth Patton

17-year-old Logan was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in November 2024 and has faced a long road of treatment. Prior to treatment, Logan was also living with Snijders Blok-Fisher syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that can impact development and learning.

Logan's dream was to stay at Give Kids The World and visit Universal Studios. As a huge Harry Potter fan, he was especially excited to experience Epic Universe during his trip. 💙

Logan and his family have shown incredible strength and resilience through every challenge they've faced. We hope this dream provided a welcome break from treatment and created memories they will cherish for years to come. 💙

06/13/2026

DREAM CHILD: Joseph ✨
DREAM CAPTAINS: Denise Rowe and Celeste Critselous

Joseph is a sweet 5-year-old from Knoxville who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in 2024. The treatment is long and aggressive, so this trip to Give Kids The World and Disney was a much-needed reprieve for him and his family.

Joseph’s dad said:

“GKTW gave my kid the chance to forget about the hospitals and all the bad days and be a kid again for a week. Everything was so well set up to make sure my families’ needs were met— and if there was anything we didn’t have or wanted they were there instantly to take care of it. The boys loved being allowed to go into the icecream parlor and get as much cream every day they wanted. They also loved walking down to the arcade and playing putt putt and games. Of course, the pool was the best thing. For anyone going there, be prepared to just enjoy your time and not worry about anything they do it all.”

06/03/2026

Monique, mother of Dream Child Raheem, shared the following reflection on what their experience meant to her family and the joy it brought to her son.

"Raheem’s been going through a lot this past year, and no mom wants to see her child sick. He’s had more bad days than good days recently, but GOD is a Mighty GOD, and we trust in HIM completely.

That being said, Raheem had an amazing time out shopping and being able to live like a normal 16-year-old teenager, and for that, I forever thank The Dream Connection Organization! Just seeing my son genuinely happy was surreal!

I truly appreciate everything you guys did for him and for making his wish come true. Thanks again for all that you do, but most of all, all that you did to give my son a day of happiness that was uniquely made just for him."

Thank you for your heartfelt message!

05/21/2026

For 40 years, Dream Connection has been bringing hope, joy, and unforgettable memories to children and families facing some of life’s hardest battles. We’re thankful to be part of a community that continues to show up with such generosity and love. 🧡

https://www.farragutpress.com/articles/2026/05/15681

05/18/2026

DREAM CHILD: Raheem ✨
DREAM CAPTAIN: Beth Patton

Raheem’s dream was a shopping spree— and what an incredible day it turned out to be! Before the adventure even began, a brand-new TV, PS5, and laptop were delivered to his home, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

On Saturday, Olympus Car and Coach generously provided transportation for Raheem, his mom, Monique, his brother, Rhazair, and his sister, Melijah, to enjoy a special day at West Town Mall.

Our first stop was the Apple Store, where the staff went above and beyond by decorating Raheem’s shopping bag with encouraging words and making him feel truly celebrated.

Next, we headed to Foot Locker, where Raheem picked out a new pair of Air Jordan 3s! The amazing staff surprised him with an extra bag of swag, including a hoodie and a backpack.

Raheem’s mom shared that this was the first time in a long time she had seen him this happy and excited— a reminder of why these moments matter so much.

We wrapped up the day with lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, ending a perfect dream experience filled with smiles, encouragement, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Raheem’s dream come true!

05/15/2026

We are honored to present, for the very first time, the Dream Connection Legacy Award to Farrell Levy. ⭐️

For 40 years, Farrell has served others with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to the mission of Dream Connection. Through his leadership and compassion, he has impacted countless families and helped shape this organization into what it is today.

The award reads:

“Presented in recognition of 40 years of extraordinary dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making dreams come true.”

Congratulations, Farrell, and thank you for the legacy you continue to build every single day. 💙

05/12/2026

DREAM CHILD: Bryson ✨
DREAM CAPTAINS: Ed and Lindsey Knowling

At 17 years old, Bryson lives with Kearns–Sayre syndrome, a rare condition that brings unique challenges—but it hasn’t dimmed his adventurous spirit.

Bryson’s dream was to visit Give Kids The World Village and experience the excitement of Universal Studios Florida.

From unforgettable rides to magical moments at Give Kids The World, Bryson embraced every adventure with joy, courage, and a smile that inspired everyone around him.

We’re honored to help make dreams like Bryson’s come true and create memories that remind families there is still so much joy to be found in every journey.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these dreams possible. ✨

05/07/2026

Last Thursday was a powerful reminder of what a community can do.

We were proud to support and be part of Dream Connection, an incredible local nonprofit that is 100% volunteer run, meaning every dollar raised goes directly toward granting dreams for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

For more than 40 years, Dream Connection has been creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that bring joy, hope, and lasting memories to children and their families during some of their most difficult moments.

We are honored to stand alongside an organization that turns compassion into action and makes such a meaningful impact right here in our community.
Dream Connection

Address

P. O. Box 10924
Knoxville, TN
37939

Telephone

+18652684420

Website

http://www.dreamconnection.org/

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