Reach for a Dream: Sam's message of hope

RFAD commercial - Sam arriving back at school.

Although he is now a healthy 22-year old university graduate and a high school teacher to boot, Sam is one of the Foundation's “Dream Children” with a supremely inspiring story to tell. In 1996, at age 11 - his Grade 5 year - Sam was diagnosed with leukaemia. Through Reach For A Dream's system of connecting with children (between the ages of 3 and 18 years who are facing a professionally diagnosed life-threatening illness), Sam's dream to visit Disneyworld was realized in 1997.

“It was amazing,” says Sam simply. "The most important thing, however, wasn't Disneyworld itself; it was the fact that I had a dream and that this dream could become a reality. The fulfillment of any dream – no matter how big or small – allows some light into the very dark tunnel through which terminally ill children must travel to become healthy. I am profoundly thankful to the foundation for providing that light in my tunnel, when I was confined to my bed by my intravenous drip and not physically capable of distracting myself like other healthy children by actively participating in life 'out there'.”

Sam's friends welcome him back, having shaved their own heads in solidarity.

However, this isn't the first time Sam has been the subject of emotive inspiration. Many South Africans will remember him as the touchingly frail star of a RFAD television commercial filmed at St John's College some years back. On returning to the classroom after a prolonged absence due to his illness and sporting a telltale lack of hair due to treatment, his classmates all demonstrate their respect and support by removing their woolen beanies to reveal their smooth-shaven heads.

Sam's treatment ended in 1999 and today he is, to quote him “a fit, healthy young man”. In spite of his illness, Sam managed to keep pace with his peers, matriculating with them in 2003 and graduating from Stellenbosch University in 2007. Aged 22, he now teaches English and History at Overberg High School in Caledon, Western Cape. “As a young child, battling to fight a life-threatening illness, I realized what an impact certain people and events can have on one's life -the fact that as a teacher I am able to have a positive influence on the lives of young South Africans has inspired me to pursue this profession.”

Present day - Sam's a "fit, healthy young man".

“Throughout it's 20-year run and through the work of a dedicated national team, along with generous donors and volunteers, The Reach For A Dream Foundation has realized the dreams of some 7500 children and witnessed a remarkable 75% recovery rate amongst the youngsters whose lives it has touched,” explains Sian Gutstadt, National Advertising and Marketing Co-ordinator. “The Foundation plays such a valuable role in endeavouring to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to believe in the power of dreams, to know that tomorrow is worth fighting for and that in spite of the obstacles they face, that fun and smiles can still be part of their lives today,” she emphasizes.

In addition to realizing “dreams” (which cover a vast range of desires – from a pair of red socks to meeting with a particular celebrity or sports icon and a host of objects and experiences in between), the organization also facilitates experiences across the country for some 6500 children on an annual basis. These include projects like weekend camps, outings, Captain Courage for the boys and Queen for a Day for the girls. The Jabulani Kingdom sees Reach For A Dream entertainers visiting young patients in hospital in an effort to bring some warmth, entertainment and comic relief from coping with illness.

To find out more about donating, supporting Reach for a Dream's fundraising drives, or becoming involved as a volunteer, please visit the Foundation's website: www.reachforadream.org.za