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.
I have spent the last 2 years studying Communications and Journalism at University learning how to write a story. Never in that time had I known what it was like to be truly moved by one. See more
“If we can encourage people to think of what their dreams may be and help them achieve those dreams, they just may improve the outlook of their disease.” Annie Robinson, Founder of Dreams2live4. Her story . See more
Louise Mahoney, Annie’s sister, continues Annie’s legacy. As CEO and a Dream Maker for Dreams2live4, Louise works tirelessly to bring hope and inspiration into patients lives. See more
Meaghan is one of our invaluable Board members and the former Director of Marketing & Communications for Dreams2Live4. Meaghan was a good friend of Annie Robinson (founder of Dreams2live4) from her university days and has a huge commitment to working with Dreams2live4. See more
Pauline is the woman behind the scenes of Dreams2Live4- working tirelessly to make sure that everything runs smoothly. The reason that we are able to chase opportunities and take chances is because we know that she has got us covered.
Pat has been an invaluable member of the Dreams2Live4 board and is now Acting Chairman. His corporate experience coupled with his incredible enthusiasm and empathy has been a huge resource in both fundraising and Dream Making. Pat’s involvement has a very personal motivation. See more
Mel has a very special connection to Dreams2Live4 as her Mum was one of our first Dreamers. Mel is now a very hardworking and enthusiastic member of the Dreams2Live4 Board. Her personal experience of witnessing the impact of a Dream on her family’s life has made Mel a committed and valuable member of the Dreams2Live4 Team. See more
When I tell people my job title is ‘Dream Maker’ they always want to know what that means. I tell them it is listening and then helping a person choose the next step in their story…See more
Karen Herbert- our new dream maker- speaks about the impact cancer has had on her life and why she has chosen to give back in this special way. See more
Kerry Seymour Smith has brought her incredible energy and can-do attitude to Dreams2live4. A powerhouse of talent and commitment we are very grateful for everything she does whether it fundraising or making Dreams come true.