The corridors at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital were filled with laughter and excitement in celebration of Reach for a Dream Foundation’s 38th birthday on July 7.

The foundation, founded in 1988, makes dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Since inception, Reach for a Dream has made over 30 000 dreams come true, ranging from meeting personal heroes to owning something a child has always dreamed of.

At the celebrations, parents and children were treated to magic tricks from Laughter Heroes, Uncle Black Jack, Themba Mathabela, and Siya Makhubu.

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Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, the hospital’s CEO, shared her experience with the organisation.

“This day is important for me, because, in 1997, I was a recipient of a dream from Reach for a Dream. I was more than a cancer patient; they gave me a new perspective of life. My dream come true gave me hope, and today, I’m the CEO of a children’s hospital.”

Julia Sotirianakos, Reach for a Dream’s CEO, noted that the foundation existed for children.

“We are almost four decades old. We couldn’t have done it without the love and support of all our hospitals, staff, and volunteers across the country.”

A social worker, Slindile Mqadi, who refers patients to Reach for a Dream, commended the foundation’s work.

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“Working with this foundation has been amazing. These children are usually down and depressed because of their severe illnesses, but the foundation always manages to puts a smile on the children’s faces, which is fulfilling.”

Later on the day, parents and children joined in a cake cutting ceremony, celebrated with song, and got their faces painted.

A specially curated doughnut decorating activity and lunch drew the birthday festivities to a close.

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