Carolina's Story

"When you have your cancer diagnosis, you worry about what will happen to you, but when you have a dream to look forward to, it’s a life change.’’ Carolina, Dreamer.

When Carolina was a baby she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Thankfully, she responded to treatment and for the next 38 years was cancer free. Then Carolina’s life turned upside down when she received the news that cancer had returned.

‘’When I got the news, it was devasting, I couldn’t believe it. The cancer changed not only my life but also my husband’s life. Roberto is always there for me and I know he suffers a lot. When I found out about Dreams2Live4 it gave me hope and the chance to have something to look forward to with Roberto,’’ said Carolina.

‘’Ever since I was a young child, I dreamt of going in a hot air balloon. To me, being up in the sky is a good way to celebrate life. I applied for a dream and couldn’t believe it when I received a phone call from Annabel, one of Dreams2Live4’s Dream Makers. We worked together to plan my hot air balloon ride and weekend away in the Hunter Valley. I had major surgery coming up so I wasn’t sure how well I would be, but knowing I had my balloon ride kept my spirts up.’’

Carolina and Annabel developed a strong bond as they planned her dream, giving Carolina something positive to focus on during such a difficult time. Dream Maker’s care for each and every dreamer, offering support, compassion and guidance as they work together to realise their dreams.

‘’On a daily basis the only thing we cancer patients think about is when is my next scan; when do I need to see the doctor; when is my next treatment; I am feeling well; I am not feeling well. But when you start thinking about and planning your dream, instead of telling my friends about my next scan, I was telling them that I am going up in a hot air balloon,’’ said Carolina.

Thanks to Dreams2Live4, Carolina spent a few wonderful, carefree days in the Hunter Valley with her husband, enjoying fine wines, good food and the beautiful countryside. 

‘’Being in a hot air balloon was magical. It gave me a feeling of freedom, it meant I was alive. I didn’t think about anything, I just enjoyed that peaceful moment. It brought me back to when I was a child and saw a balloon flying over my home. That child was up in the air in a hot air balloon, a child without worries or problems, without chemotherapy or surgery to think about, a child who felt normal as anybody else. So many thanks for letting me have that special moment that I will keep in my heart forever.’’