Dream On 3
Everyone has heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Although similar in some ways and different in others, Charlotte, NC, has a version of its own called DreamOn3. Brandon Lindsey, founder of this nonprofit organization in November of 2012, gave me his four points for the creation and existence of DreamOn3...answering the call (from God), helping the kids, buying into conscious capitalism (money is important for survival, but it's not EVERYTHING), and protecting the dream (of the kids). Brandon has done a great job with this and in the process has become a great friend and someone I can lean on when the going gets tough. I've completely bought in to his and his wife's ideas and am looking forward to starting my own nonprofit in the near future. Tune in to BCR today as I have the pleasure of interacting with three young kids as they chase their biggest of dreams. This episode is a "can't miss!"
Guests
Alphonzo “Fonz” McDonald
Alphonzo “Fonz” McDonald is an amazing 15 year old Charlotte resident. The teenage years can be some of the toughest years growing up, but then adding Autism and ADHD on top of that makes things a little more challenging for Fonz. He is not alone in his daily battle. He has an amazing support system from his loving adoptive mothers, siblings, and friends at The Arc of North Carolina, our referral partner. His Dream: Fonz is passionate about sports, but his love for football and his knowledge of the game and players is what sets him apart from the rest! He is a huge Cam Newton and Carolina Panther fan, and his dream was to play Wide Receiver for them. Fonz was able to meet some of the Carolina Panthers and attend a Panthers practice, where he watched his favorite players on the field. After practice, he joined Cam Newton and the Wide Receivers on the field! Cam even threw him a game winning 80-yard touchdown pass!

 

Chase Thomas
Chase is an 18 year old living with Noonan Syndrome. Noonan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that prevents normal development in various parts of the body. Noonan syndrome affects people in different ways. These ways typically include unusual facial characteristics, short stature, heart defects, other physical problems, and developmental delays. Her Dream: Chase is an avid football fan! Her father has been a HS football coach in Concord for 30 years. Her brother is also a football coach, and Chase helps them on the field by motivating the players and getting them pumped up before their big games. Chase’s dream is to meet JR Sweezy and the Seattle Seahawks, as well as fly in an airplane for the first time! Thanks to Dream On 3 and Volk Physical Therapy, her Dream will come true later this fall!

 

Nicholas and Wendy Batley
Wendy Batley is the loving mother of Nicholas Batley, from Mooresville, NC. Nicholas was Dream On 3’s first Dream Kid, or as he likes to call himself, “The Pioneer.” Nicholas, who was 14 at the time of his experience, lives with a medical condition known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s is a higher functioning form of Autism, but still significantly impacts many areas of his life. On May 26, 2013, during the Coca Cola 600 NASCAR Race, Nicholas’s dreams came true. He was able to meet and spend time with his sports hero, Darrell Waltrip, where he enjoyed a private meet-and-greet, received signed memorabilia, and had an opportunity to show off his best “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity” impression. When Nicholas grows up, his desire is to become a sports commentator like Waltrip. His mother says this experience was life changing & gave him the confidence to continue working towards this life goal!