Dreams2Live4 makes dreams come true for patients who are living with metastatic cancer (meaning any cancer which has spread). Our dreamers have had the devastating diagnosis of cancer, followed by the gut wrenching news that it has returned. Living with metastatic cancer can be an overwhelming and grueling battle. Dreams2Live4 empowers these patients to dream and find purpose again. It is the only charity of its type in Australia for adult patients. Last year we worked with more than 450 patients and their families in hospitals across Australia. A dream is coming true every 48 hours!

Dreams2Live4 was founded by metastatic cancer sufferer, Annie Robinson in 2008 as a program at one Sydney Hospital. Her personal experience gave her unique insight into the importance of “treating the soul as well as the disease.” “If we can encourage people to think of what their dreams may be and help them achieve these dreams, they just may improve the outlook of their disease.” — Annie Robinson

Our dreamers range from 17 years old, from all walks of life, with all types of cancer, and they all have their own unique dreams. We have had weddings, hot air ballooning, adventures to the reef and snow. Some dreamers ask to meet their idol- Guy Sebastian, Dawn French, Craig Lowndes, The Kings of Leon – just to name a few. Other dreamers long to create lasting happy memories for those they leave behind in the form of family photographs, publishing their memoirs, getaways and family reunions. Or it could be as simple as having their hair done so the nurses see them at their best. Sadly, Annie passed away in 2009. She has left a legacy of hope which lives on today in the work of Dreams2live4. On 1st September 2015 Annie’s Dream was fulfilled when Dreams2Live4 became a national charity in its own right! Today Dreams2Live4 works with patients from more than 180 hospitals across Australia.

VISION
To encourage those people who live with metastatic cancer, relapsed blood borne cancers and grades 3-4 brain cancers to live life to the full and overcome any emotional limitations they may have as a result of living with a chronic disease. There is a widespread and overwhelming expectation from the community at large that a person with metastatic cancer has no hope of living and that death is imminent. This expectation can be demoralizing and depressing to the person living with cancer. We seek to assist those people with the disease to overcome negative thought processes and emotions by providing a forum for them to identify goals, dreams and targets to live for , and helping them to achieve those in every way possible. At the same time, we seek to create an awareness in the community that it is possible to live a full life while living with metastatic cancer. We aim to provide a support system for these courageous people by encouraging them to be brave enough to ask for and receive a dream.

MISSION
To provide an opportunity for people with metastatic cancer to identify and realise their dreams, giving them goals on which to focus and helping them to live a positive healthy life. If a person is living their dreams, they are not dying. There is excitement and anticipation in identifying, planning, and focusing on a ‘dream’! When it is achieved, there is a feeling of joy and positive wellbeing that lasts beyond the dream itself. All this translates to a healthy state of mind that benefits people living with cancer.