The Reach for A Dream Foundation continues to instil hope in children with life-threatening illnesses. The non-governmental organisation launched a second Dream Room at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Parktown.
Reach for A Dream Foundation chief executive officer Julia Sotirianakos welcomed everyone in attendance at the launch and said this was their fifth Dream Room since inception.
Chairman of Reach for A Dream, Mervyn Serebro emphasised the importance of hope as an integral part of healing. He added that what continues to drive the foundation are all the generous people such as the Emperor’s Palace team who has produced entirely pro-bono events for the foundation. “Being in this journey with Emperor’s Palace made us elevate our aspirations and understand that nothing is impossible if you engage with capable people.
“Now that the Emperor’s Palace team has sponsored a Dream Room bears testimony to the fact that miracles are possible.”
Fihliwe Molefe from the Emperor’s Palace Peermont Group said the group felt special to be a part of such a project which gives hope and healing. “When we have partnerships, we are not just cheque writers, we support all the way; so, we will be with Reach for A Dream all the way and look forward to future projects.”
CEO of Fine Group Global Mandi Fine, who came up with the idea about the dream rooms, said an environment can make such a difference to the young patients. “It really is all about hopeful faces and hopeful spaces. It should be a place where children can be children without being overwhelmed.”
She extended her gratitude to the hospital staff who embraced the idea.
Acknowledging that, CEO of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Gladys Bogoshi said she was excited upon first hearing about the idea of dream rooms because children are our future. “What we do with them when they are young determines which path they take and the environment that they are put into makes an impact on how they heal. If you have happy nurses and doctors within a clean environment, then healing is enhanced.”
She added that the hospital commissioned in 1972 provides services to the whole country and is the only one doing liver transplants among other specialised services.
Head of department at paediatrics and child health at the hospital, Professor Mphele Mulaudzi said the dream itself brings hope and it is the key that unlocks the door in darkness and enables children to see their fantasies come to reality.
Details: Charlotte Maxeke Hospital 011 488 4911; Reach for A Dream www.reachforadream.org.za
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