We were lucky enough to have the incredible, unstoppable Kathy intern with us for six weeks. She displayed such enthusiasm, vibrancy and confidence in her work, seeing each task as an opportunity to succeed. She inspired others around her with her infectious positivity and kindness and was a breath of fresh air to our office- truly making it a better place. With her support, the Thank God Its Friday Champagne Ladies Lunch was a huge success! Kathy has proven herself to be an essential part of the Dreams2Live4 team: making an incredible contribution in just a few months. We were sad to see her go. Before she left, we asked her a few questions about her experience with Dreams2Live4.

What motivated or inspired you to intern at Dreams2Live4?

After hearing about Dreams2Live4 through Kerry (Seymour-Smith), I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do with my time here in Sydney.  While researching this non-profit, it was clear to see that the work the women do here is beyond worthwhile and truly has an impact on so many.  I wanted to be a part of such a wonderful team and help make dreams come true for metastatic cancer patients and their families.  As a Communications major with a focus in Public Relations at Villanova University, I knew there was a place for me at Dreams and I loved putting my skills to the test while helping organize the TGIF Ladies Champagne Lunch.

Was there one Dream that stood out for you in particular?

My experience with our Dreamer Manu has given me a deeper look into how Dreams impacts not only the lives of their Dreamers, but also the lives of the Dreamer’s family and friends. Manu’s dream was to give her children the best Christmas of their lives and with the help of everyone involved in D2L4, we were able to do just that. We went Christmas shopping and picked out toys, games, clothes, and a trampoline for her beautiful young children! I asked her if there was anything she wanted for herself for Christmas and she responded by saying there is nothing more she could want than happiness for her daughters. She was elated the entire time we were walking around the mall and she was just so grateful that her dream was able to come true. She embodies a woman of strength and resilience as she has not given up hope although faced with such a terrifying diagnosis.  Her uplifting spirit inspires me and I am so lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful Dream!!!

What has been the most enjoyable part of your work with D2L4

Apart from Manu’s dream, I absolutely loved the TGIF Ladies Lunch!  All of the hard work that was put into organizing the event completely paid off as we raised over $65,000! It was just so incredible to witness such a huge event come together with all of the absolutely amazing women involved.

Do you have any personal experience with cancer? Have any of your family/close friends etc. been impacted by cancer?

My beautiful Aunt Meighan lost her battle to breast cancer when she was 39 years old and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through.  She was such a beautiful person who loved her two young daughters more than anything in the world and had the best fashion sense out of anyone I knew.  She continues to inspire me to get involved in the fight against cancer and spread positivity to those affected.

What has been the most emotional/difficult part of the process?

The most difficult part for me was sitting next to Lou (Dream Maker) in the car while she spoke to one of her many Dreamers.  It was evident that the woman on the phone was out of breath and utterly exhausted, yet I was able to hear the hope and positivity in her voice.  She had such a selfless wish—to take her family to the zoo and it just broke my heart that there was nothing I could do to make her healthy again.  I know that aiding her dream is the best way I can help her but it is so hard to accept that I cannot do more and I just give the Dream Makers all of the credit in the world because they deal with these emotions every single day.  Lou, Meaghan, Annabel and everyone at Dreams2Live4 show such strength and compassion when others need it most and they inspire me to find the positives in such terrible situations.

Would you recommend it to others?

I can’t even believe this is a question! Absolutely!  I would recommend this to anyone who is ready to make a difference in the lives of others.  I have loved my experience with everyone at the office and am struggling to find the right words to describe the impact that they’ve had on me.  I am overwhelmed by the selflessness I witness every day and will be a part of the Dreams2Live4 family for the rest of my life… even from the other side of the world!

If you are a caring individual or organisation, there are many ways that you can help Dreams come true. You can help by donating for a single Dream or many Dreams. You can help by joining the Dreams2Live4 community and attending an event or holding one of your own. You can help by volunteering your time and skills or simply by liking our Facebook page and signing up for our newsletter.