Life-Affirming Dreams
Help us help patients with a terminal illness know that doing things that give them pleasure can be more than just a dream.
The Dreams Project – bringing dreams to life
At HammondCare, we’re committed to improving quality of life for people for whom it is our privilege to care. In a palliative care context, this means holistically addressing each person’s emotional, social and spiritual needs, as well as their physical needs. Being understood and cared for in this way can bring people and their families an improved sense of wellbeing, even during the most difficult circumstances.
The Dreams Project was specifically created in recognition of the individual challenges faced by patients across the age spectrum, when dealing with a life-limiting illness or end-of-life.
Purposefully designed, every Dream is an incredible gift that lets our patients know that they are still special, they do matter and it’s still okay to dream of things they’d like to do.
Every dream brings to life an experience that resonates deeply within, inspires hope and meaningfully reinforces a deeply personal connection with their world.
Dreams can help rebuild connections, provide positive distractions and create everlasting memories for friends and family.
We rely on the generosity of our supporters and community partners to help make these unique dreams come true for patients in their final days.
Dreams can come in many forms: beach escapes, family portraits, a ceremony to renew wedding vows, a heartfelt video message to a young son or daughter, a ‘clinically secure’ visit home from the hospital for one last look at the family home or to say goodbye to a much-loved pet, or a final memorable meal shared with family and friends at a location that holds special meaning.
A quote from Dame Cicely Saunders – the founder of the hospice movement – captures the motivating spirit that has underpinned The Dreams Project since 2011.
"You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can to help you not only die peacefully but also to live until you die."
Please help us create more life-changing Dreams like those in the stories below:
A Winning Combination
Mick’s lung cancer required his admission to the palliative care ward at Greenwich. A hospital visit by his 2005 Premiership Tigers idols brought a sparkle to his eyes and his ‘Dream’ to life.
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Bevan’s Dream | Eyes in the sky
We were honoured that Bevan’s dream to “give back to his community” came true. After completing compulsory training, he volunteered for drone duty with the surf lifesaving club – patrolling Northern Beaches for sharks and swimmers in trouble.
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Tracy’s Dream | Out of Africa
Tracy grew up in Africa and loved animals. In the final stages of palliative care she was able to relive her fascination and shared loved with young daughter Taya during a weekend away at Jamala Lodge.
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Deise’s Dream | The magic of Merlin
Deise’s aggressive neck and facial cancer took away her joy of speaking and eating. She needed to feel the unconditional love of a cat – which she described as precious. The Dreams Project organised visits from two cats including Merlin, who gave her hope and the will to live again.
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