Dreams Come True

Debra’s dream was to have a Mother Daughters Getaway-Spa Weekend at Niagara on the Lake. Debra and her daughters stayed at the Prince of Wales Hotel at Niagara on the Lake. The package included full breakfast and three course dinner. They each indulged in spa treatments, with manicures, pedicures, hair and scalp treatment and foot reflexology. They ended the trip with a guided horse drawn carriage ride, exploring the rich history, majestic homes and peaceful scenery.

After their weekend, Debra’s Daughter told us, ‘I am so incredibly thankful for the chance to spend a couple of days relaxing and spending time with my sister and my mom. Away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. We’ve enjoyed amazing spa treatments, gourmet meals, beautiful scenery and walks in the sunshine’.

Although she was born with a disability that left her entire right-hand side of her body smaller than her left, Penny achieved a 32-year career supporting and caring for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Her disability never inhibited her strong work ethic and desire to help. For three decades, she helped her students live their best lives, guiding them to independence and providing them with educational opportunities they may have never received elsewhere. But outside of work, Penny was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Whenever the Leafs played in a televised game, Penny was their number one cheerleader. And like many sports fans, she had a favourite player: “The Magician” Mitch Marner. She absolutely adored him and when Marner was on the ice, doing his magic, the entire neighbourhood could hear Penny cheering him on. “That’s my boy! Go Leafs, Go!” Having her hockey hero pay tribute to her was like winning the Stanley Cup, her long-time friend Shelley told Oneday Dreams. “What a way for her to leave this world, as a recognized Toronto Maple Leafs champion,” Shelley said. So, when Marner sent Penny a video message, the tears flowed. The moment was captured on video by Penny’s brother-in-law. Her reaction, laying in a hospital bed, was one of complete satisfaction. Beaming, she simply said, “OH, MY GOD!” “(She) had us all in tears, she was so excited,” Shelley said. Oneday Dreams also presented Penny with an official Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner jersey, which is what Penny wore when she was laid to rest. “Thanking you again (Oneday Dreams) for making Penny’s dream come true,” Shelley said. “We all feel she was waiting for that video prior to moving on to her next life.”

When Carroll delicately broached the subject of a Oneday Dream with her husband Frank, she wasn’t sure what his reaction would be. Frank, 60, had been given a terminal diagnosis by his doctor in September 2022 and Carroll wanted to give her husband a memory of a special night they could both cherish forever. Having quit her job to care for Frank “and make his life comfortable,” Carroll says finances were tight. “It took a few months to talk to him about your foundation,” she told Oneday Dreams. But by reaching out to Oneday Dreams, Carroll was able to give Frank an amazing local dream close to their St. Catharine’s, Ontario home. Indeed, Frank was receptive to Carroll’s inquiry. He wanted a room with a view to the wondrous Niagara Falls, to swim in the pool, and enjoy dinner and a show. It was a simple dream, but one that would allow them to spend a night free of worries.
“I am grateful for anything good that comes our way,” Carroll wrote in her application. Oneday Dreams was able to give the couple a beautiful day and evening at Sheridan Fallsview Hotel. They also enjoyed the Greg Frewin Magic Show and
Dinner, supplied by the Greg Frewin Theatre company.
“Frank and I just want to thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts,”
Carroll wrote following their night of dreams. “I will definitely spread the word out for people to donate to your foundation as it’s something that is so needed with terminally ill adults. This means the world to us. Much love to you and all the people who work with you. With great appreciation and gratitude to you, love Carroll.”

The vows “in sickness and in health” were very profound for Wayne, whose dream was to marry his beautiful fiancé Judy. On February 5th, 2023, Wayne and Judy were married in their home. They were surrounded by friends and family, and the event was livestreamed for those who could not attend. We were able to make this special dream come true with the help of some incredible vendors in the Windsor-Essex area. Cakeface Mobile Makeup&Hair Artistry provided hair and makeup services. Little House of Cupcakes, Armando’s, and Tim Horton’s supplied food, snacks, and beverages. The house was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements from Essex Flower Basket. Dynamic Sound DJ Service provided the music for the celebration. The day was captured by Ciera Kathleen Photography .

Stephanie’s love for her family is truly unending. Stephanie’s dream was a small viewing party for her and her family to watch her family’s favourite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, and a special video from her favourite player, Connor McDavid.

We decorated Stephanie’s entertainment room with Oilers-coloured decor and balloons, and provided charcuterie from Chow With Aaron. We also made sure the family was dressed appropriated with Oilers sweaters with a special Connor McDavid jersey for Stephanie. There’s nothing like a loving family rivalry over hockey teams, so we made sure to give Stephanie’s son a Montreal Canadiens jersey, too. To top the night off, Stephanie received a very special video from the one and only Connor McDavid himself. Connor thanked her and the boys for being fans while keeping them in his thoughts before the big game.

Tony is a big fan of harness racing and wanted to spend an evening having dinner with his family while watching the races at Woodbine – Mohawk Park. Tony and his family had a wonderful dinner at the racetrack and were met with few surprises for the evening courtesy of the folks at Mohawk and the Ontario Harness Horse Association. A race in the race program was named in Tony’s honour and featured in all of the programs. Tony and his family also had their photo taken with the winning horse and jockey for Tony’s special race. Tony was also able to meet one of his favorite drivers, Jody Jamieson and chat about his passion for horse racing.

Silvana dreamed of enjoying a special weekend away with her family. On Saturday, September 10th, Silvana, her son, and his girlfriend made their first stop at the Toronto Zoo where they enjoyed a sentimental trip that resembled the days when Silvana would take her son as a little boy. Silvana then travelled to Niagara Falls for her second stop, where she and her extended family stayed in beautiful suites at the Fallsview Resort and Casino overlooking the falls before enjoying a decadent meal at the Keg. Silvana’s family is the most important part of her life; they have been tremendous supporters throughout her cancer journey. It was our pleasure helping to create a weekend full of happiness and quality time with those who matter the most.

Part of this dream was made possible through the generous donations of dinner and hotel rooms provided by The Keg and Fallsview Casino Resort.

Nancy dreamed of throwing a backyard party for her entire family. On August 20th, Nancy was the super host! Her backyard party was complete with an event tent, a catered meal, a cake and cupcakes, and a bouncy castle for the children. Nancy’s favourite colour is orange and she loves flowers, so of course we had to make sure to send some beautiful orange arrangements to help decorate. The entire day was captured by kat baranowski photography so the family can have lasting memories of the dream that came true.

Antonella was a dedicated fan of Scottish-Canadian country music artist, Johnny Reid. Not only did she have fond memories of attending his concerts with family and friends, but now, in some of her most challenging days, his music provided her a sense of comfort and peace. Antonella dreamed of personally connecting with Mr. Reid, and her cousin Carm and her best friend Angela were on a mission to make that happen. With the support of Mr. Reid and his amazing team, Oneday Dreams was able to deliver a personal video message directly from Johnny himself. Surrounded by her closest loved ones, Antonella watched as Johnny sent her his love and well-wishes and even sang her a song. As Antonella’s cousin Carm eloquently stated, this was Antonella’s time to feel the love and warmth she had given to so many of her family members and friends. We’re honoured and proud to be able to fulfill this dream!

Luigi was an excellent student in the midst of completing his Master’s Degree when he learned about his terminal diagnosis. With the help of the University of Windsor, Luigi was able to have his own private graduation ceremony where he was presented his Master’s Degree and given a small celebration with family and loved ones before his passing. Luigi was able to live the moment he had always dreamed about with the ones closest to him.

Scott was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, and made sure to share that passion with his family. His dream was to attend a live game at the Scotiabank Arena. The wonderful people at Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment made it happen! Scott and his family not only watched the game, but received a tour of the arena and met the team as well!

Caroline was a huge Marianas Trench fan and told us that their music got her through the toughest times in her life.

The band answered our call and offered to do a livestream private acoustic session for Caroline from their studio.

Tragically, Caroline passed away the night before the concert. The band posted Caroline’s story on their Facebook and the love and support for Caroline’s loved ones flowed in from all around the world.

Michael travelled all over to watch Shania Twain. His dream was to be able to listen to Shania’s upcoming album. Shania and her team made it happen and Michael was able to enjoy listening to “Now” weeks before its public release. He even got a personal message of support from the Queen of Country Pop herself!

Randy was a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan who always wanted to see a game. Once again, the great people at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment pulled through and helped us make Randy’s dream come true. Randy and his family were able to travel to Niagara Falls, Ontario to catch the team’s pre-season training. He even got a surprise visit at his hotel from the Maple Leafs alumni players!