It began with one dream and one boy who loved golf.
In 1984, the late Thomas R. McGehee, chairman of Mac Papers, and his wife, Delia, met 17-year-old George Lee, who was battling cystic fibrosis. George’s greatest passion was golf, and when the McGehees learned of it, they arranged something extraordinary, a chance for George to play with PGA legend Fred Couples in the Pro-Am at THE PLAYERS Championship (TPC).
After an unforgettable day on the greens, Couples handed George his driver. It was a simple gesture that became a priceless memory. A year later, when George passed away, he was laid to rest with that very club at his side.
For the McGehees, that moment changed everything. They witnessed firsthand the power of a dream fulfilled, and they knew there were many other children in Northeast Florida who needed that same spark of joy and hope.
And so, Dreams Come True was born. From that first dream to today, Dreams Come True continues to be Northeast Florida’s only locally based nonprofit dedicated to using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
From its humble beginnings, when just four dreams were granted in its first year, Dreams Come True has grown into a cornerstone of compassion in Northeast Florida – granting more than 200 dreams each year. To date, the organization has fulfilled more than 5,000 dreams and each one unique to the child whose courage inspired it.
Whether it’s a trip to Disney, a shopping adventure, a visit to a faraway destination or even welcoming a new furry friend, these dreams provide a crucial break from the stress of hospital visits, treatments and uncertainty. They give families the gift of normalcy, if only for a little while.
But Dreams Come True is about more than that one big dream. The organization stays connected to families throughout their medical journeys, offering “Moments in Between.” These smaller, joy-filled experiences, help sustain hope before and after a dream is granted. These moments might include back-to-school supplies, hospital room decorations, milestone celebrations, food and gifts for the holidays or even tickets to local events. Each special moment reminds families that they are not alone and Dreams Come True is here for them during their journey.
In early 2025, the organization celebrated a milestone four decades in the making: its 5,000th dream.
In partnership with long-time supporter THE PLAYERS Championship, Dreams Come True surprised 10-year-old John Bertram Lancaster of St. Simons Island, Georgia, with his very own “Snow Dream,” which was a trip to the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe, California.
Diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer at just 2 years old, John Bertram has faced a numerous surgeries, treatments and hospital stays. But during six magical days in February 2025 he was simply a boy laughing in the snow and creating life-long memories with his family.
With his parents, Charlotte and Micah, and sister Elizabeth by his side, John Bertram experienced pure joy sledding, tubing, skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and even meeting a dog sled team. The family stayed at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and the warmth of cherished time together.
“Granting our 5,000th dream is a testament to the incredible community of volunteers, donors and supporters who share in our mission and vision,” said Anna Valent, executive director of Dreams Come True. “Every dream we grant represents hope, strength and love – and not just for the children we serve, but for their entire families.”
From that first golf dream in 1984, which was also sponsored by THE PLAYERS Championship, to the milestone snow dream four decades later, Dreams Come True’s story has always been one of compassion and community.
Today, the organization supports nearly 600 active Dreamers and receives about 25 new qualified referrals each month from children who live in the seven counties of Northeast Florida and/or who are treated in Northeast Florida by the organization’s esteemed medical partners.
For families facing unimaginable challenges, Dreams Come True offers something beyond medical care. Dreams Come True offers hope in action, transforming the power of a dream into the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
And thanks to the unwavering support of donors, volunteers and the Northeast Florida community, Dreams Come True will continue granting dreams and creating moments in between: one child, one family and one dream at a time.
