Dream Shepherd

 

Dream “The Dreamster”, 10, was born with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder which affects hemoglobin that can impact nearly every organ in the body. As so often happens with the condition, Dream has battled a host of complications including chronic pain stemming from diminished levels of oxygen in her cells and a stroke at five years old.
Dream has been under the care of the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. She will be undergoing a myeloabative stem cell transplant on December 7, 2014. Her mother Diana has undergone an HLA-matching procedure that involved the extraction of her stem cells so that they may be transplanted into Dream. In December, Dream will be hospitalized and placed in isolation for up to three months. She will endure vigorous and invasive procedures in preparation for the transplant, including chemotherapy and radiation. Her family anticipates a long recovery which will keep Dream out of school for the greater part of the 2014–2015 school year. Her return to school is anticipated for the fall of 2015.
Dream was named Grand Marshal of the 10th Annual Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in March 2014. She led thousands of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital supporters during the event’s signature “Stroll Around Campus.” She has been using her Grand Marshal status to show others how young people can be active and excel, even while battling chronic medical conditions. Her reign as Grand Marshal will last until the spring of 2015. Despite her challenges, Dream’s determination, bravery and spirit never wanes, as evidenced by her active life as a student, Girl Scout, artist, and “hula hoop extraordinaire”.
The cost of home health care is not covered by Dream’s insurance provider. It is imperative to have this level of care while Dream’s mom works in order to provide the necessities of life, including shelter, a sterile environment, nutritious food, gas and electricity, for Dream during her recovery. Dream and Diana have decided to team up with the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation to support Dream’s home health care after she transitions from the care of the hospital to outpatient care.
Please support Dream as she takes this challenging journey. We need to ensure that she’ll be provided every opportunity to recover fully. She has so much light to offer the world!
Send Dream Well Wishes: www.caringbridge.org/visit/dreamshepherd
#TOLIVEISTODREAM: We’re all living for our dream; honor Dream by sharing your dream with the world!
Click here to contribute to Dream’s One-to-One Fund
Or you can send a check, payable to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation.
Be sure to include Dream’s name on the front of the check.
Send check to:
the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation
515 Madison Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, New York 10022