A dream come true for Jordan

A BRAVE little boy from Sixmilebridge became the first ever child to see inside the Share a Dream Foundation’s specially-designed Dream Machine, when it was launched in Clare this week.
That wasn’t the only dream come true though for four-year-old, Jordan Perez, who suffers from the rare genetic disorder spinal muscular atrophy type II.
At the launch in the West County Hotel, Ennis, Jordan, who is a massive Thomas the Tank Engine fan, was thrilled to discover he and his family would be flying to Thomasland in England this weekend where he will get to meet the Fat Controller.
The idea for the Dream Machine came about after Share a Dream gave six-year-old Jason Lorrigan from Kildysart some of the best days of his life last year. Jason, who has spent many birthdays in hospital, was treated to a very special birthday party and a helicopter ride.
The foundation, which has been making dreams come true for hundreds of sick and disabled children for 21 years, realised that there are many special children all over Ireland who, because of their illness, are confined to home or hospital.
“It has been our dream to design a really magical Dream Machine to put it on the road and if the kids can’t get to us then we will bring their dream to their very door step,” said Shay Kinsella, founder of the Share a Dream Foundation.
Jason’s dad Eugene told The Clare Champion he was thrilled that the Dream Machine is up and running. “Jason has been defying all the odds and Share a Dream have been just fantastic to us, the memories they have given us will stay with us forever. There are many children out there who can’t travel to have their dreams come true so this is a great idea,” he said.
Shay explained he had promised little Jordan that he would be the first child to see inside the Dream Machine. “I’m keeping this promise,” he said.
The Dream Machine has a colourful themed interior and exterior of marine life, music and arts complete with lights and full music system. It is filled with fun things such as aqua bubble lamps, fibre optics, Xbox, V-tech video games, V-tech story books, a green screen, books, games and a interactive fish tank.
“It has to be seen to be believed. It’s totally unique and everyone that sees it all agree it is truly a Dream Machine,” said Shay.
Mayor of Clare, Christy Curtin attended the launch.
“Share a Dream receive no funding from any official source and depend totally on the kindness and support of the community,” added Shay. To help funds to keep the Dream Machine on the road as well as supporting all other projects log onto www.shareadream.ie.