Dreams Come True

Aquilino is a huge fan of the Toronto Raptors. Him and his family would gather around and watch the Raptors games even when he was in the hospital. Aquilino’s dream was to receive an official Raptors jersey that he could wear when he watches the games. With the help of the MLSE and the Toronto Raptors we were able to not only give an official Raptors Jersey but a signed one from his favourite player Spicy P, Pascal Siakam. All of us at Oneday will join Aquilino in cheering on the Raptors this upcoming season.

Karen’s dream was to visit her elderly parents in British Columbia, but for the last four years, Covid and a diagnosis in 2019 had made it impossible. Hailing from Lethbridge, AB, Karen, 65, reached out to Oneday Dreams, expressing her heartfelt desire to travel to B.C. with her brother, who resides in Calgary.  Their long-awaited reunion finally came true, and for two wonderful days, they savored precious moments together, rekindling cherished family ties. A special thanks to @coasthotels for providing a pair of lovely rooms.

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.”