Foundation makes dreams come true for a local teen
He is in Grade 10 and, before his diagnosis, loved playing cricket, soccer, and rugby. In addition to his love of sports, his favourite subject is consumer studies.
For over 35 years, the Reach for a Dream Foundation has helped hundreds of children fighting life-threatening illnesses realise their dreams.
On May 17, it was 15-year-old Asi Matshalilanga’s turn to live out his dream of owning Xbox Series X controllers.
Asi is a brave boy recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
He is in Grade 10 and, before his diagnosis, loved playing cricket, soccer, and rugby. In addition to his love of sports, his favourite subject is consumer studies.
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Asi loves cooking at home, so he wants to be a chef when he grows up.
To make his dream unforgettable, Reach for a Dream, in conjunction with Emperors Palace, invited Asi to don an apron and spend time in the Rosetta’s Bistro kitchen.
With the help of the Palace of Dreams’ sous chef, Jerry Chauke, and commi chefs Makoma Letsie and Khanyi Hadebe, Asi quickly started making pizzas, trifle, and chicken stir fry, which he enjoyed with his family and the chefs.
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When asked what he enjoyed the most about his visit to the Palace of Dreams, the young dreamer said that making the pizzas, especially the first one, which had his favourite toppings – plenty of cheese, chicken, and mushrooms – was most enjoyable.
He believes pineapple and banana don’t belong on a pizza, so he wasn’t a big fan of the vegetarian pizza he made next because it had pineapple.
He also enjoyed making and eating the trifle.
The proof of what he had learnt was definitely in the pudding.
The day concluded with the reveal of Asi’s dream: the Xbox Series X controllers.
Asi couldn’t believe his dream had come true. Not only did he spend the day immersed in his passion for cooking, but Emperors Palace and Reach for a Dream made his dream come true, giving him hope that tomorrow is worth fighting for.
