Every day, Reach For A Dream fulfils seven dream across the country for children facing life-threatening illnesses by giving them hope that tomorrow is worth fighting for.

Among those recently fulfilled is that of six-year-old Raquell Hoogstander from Kimberley.

Raquell is an animal-loving young girl living with end-stage rheumatic heart disease. She loves spending time with her family, playing, exploring and letting her imagination run wild. To fuel her inquisitiveness, Raquell’s dream was to own a Bubblegum tablet.

Her dream day was a first-time experience at Spur. Experiencing the play area, Raquell jumped with excitement, eagerly exploring the slides and trampoline. She spotted birds and pointed at the ones she knew, laughing at the joy the activity brought her.

Raquell’s lunch was served to her at a table specially set up for her with balloons and a wrapped box, containing her dream Bubbblegum tablet.

“Witnessing her pure joy, genuine gratitude and excitement as she embraced every new experience was incredibly moving. Her unbelief that her dream was actually coming true, along with her mother’s heartfelt appreciation, reminded me that the impact of a dream reaches far beyond one child,” says Saska de Bruin, Reach For A Dream’s Free State regional manager.

Candice Hoogstander, Raquell’s mother, said her daughter had a beautiful day.

“Seeing her play and experience true happiness means so much to us. Her new tablet made her the happiest girl in the world. Thank you Reach For A Dream for making Raquell’s dream come true.”

Raquell’s dream is one of many that have been made possible through Reach For A Dream initiatives such as the Dream Raffle. By visiting dreamraffle.co.za and purchasing a R200 ticket, participants help to create life-changing experiences for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Every ticket fuels dreams, ignites hope, and offers you the chance to win an award-winning brand-new Jetour T2.

ALSO READ: WATCH | Parents’ greatest hope: That Jude will find her voice