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Locals Helping Locals
 

OUR MISSION IS CLEAR

Chasin A Dream Foundation provides direct, individualized assistance to local families of children battling life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Our mission is to create a lasting impact by offering the critical resources and emotional support they need to face each day with courage.

At Chasin A Dream Foundation we strengthens families facing pediatric medical crisis by providing direct, individualized support to children with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities and the people who care for them. We believe healing takes more than medicine. Through our integrated family support solutions, we help relieve the financial, emotional, and practical burdens that often accompany a child's diagnosis, allowing families to focus on what matters most: their child's health and well-being. Working closely with hospitals, social workers, and community partners, we provide immediate assistance based on each family's unique circumstances, recognizing that no two journeys are the same. Our commitment extends beyond a single moment of crisis by walking alongside families throughout their journey, providing hope, stability, and compassionate support while strengthening the entire family.

 
 
How You Can Help
Volunteer With Us
Make A Donation
Donate DAF Direct

We believe in COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY.

For more information about our foundation, please CONTACT US anytime.

 
 
Our Impact
 
 
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CHASIN A DREAM FOUNDATION FEATURED IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE

 

Chasin A Dream Foundation and Alpha Dog Training – Jupiter, along with our Warrior, Giovanni, and Service Dog, Gracie, made it onto the pages of People Magazine.

Gracie was abandoned on the streets of Miami and found her way to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, where she was just waiting for Giovanni to come along.

Read The Full Article

 

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LOCALS HELPING LOCALS®

We rely on local businesses for support, and in-turn we support them. Our focus is to remain local. We do not fund research, but instead we invest in assisting families through the challenges of dealing with a child battling a life-threatening illness.

With your donation we have the power to make a difference right here at home.

 
Click Here to Donate

 

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WHO WE SUPPORT

Just imagine in one day being ripped from a carefree childhood filled with fun, adventure and promise to a life of hospitals, doctors, needles, surgery, painful procedures, and isolation. These children endure it all while somehow still possessing confidence, strength, bravery and love. They are heroes – they are WARRIORS!

 
Meet Our Warriors
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Our Programs

Strengthening Families Facing Pediatric Medical Crisis, Because healing takes more than medicine. Chasin A Dream Foundation employs strategic solutiona that provide comfort, support, and assistance to families facing hardships due to their child’s illness, treatment, or untimely death. We rely on the help and support of our community to provide these programs, and that support ensures anyone in need may apply.

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When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, the cost of healthcare can quickly lead to choices that will leave a family scrambling for options.

We’re here to help ease the struggle during this trying time with Chasin A Dream - Critical Need Program.

Click HERE to learn more about this important program and how you can help.

 
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The Hospital Backpack Program provides comfort at a very stressful time. It’s the little things that can mean the most and bring the most comfort during a very uncomfortable time. Our customized backpacks contain an iPad, and comfort items such as a warm fuzzy blanket, a pillow, teddy bear, socks, toiletries, and much more.

Click HERE to learn more about this important program.
 

Chasin A Dream Foundation provides burial assistance and grief counseling for those already enrolled in a Chasin A Dream Foundation Program.

Click HERE for more information about this important program.

 

Mindful Haven is a mental wellness program dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of parents whose children are battling or have battled life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.

Click HERE for more information about this program.



 
 
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SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING

View fullsize Don’t forget to grab your tickets for the Chasin A Dream Foundation Father’s Day Raffle! 💛 Not only will you have the chance to win an incredible prize, you’ll also be helping local children and families facing life-threatening il
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View fullsize Some stories feel like they were always meant to happen. 💛 When circumstances unexpectedly changed, Frankie became available just as the Gonzalez family was searching for the perfect companion for Ella. Without hesitation, they opened their hearts
View fullsize Kindergarten graduate and cancer warrior. 💛🎓 Meet Mateo, a resilient 6-year-old who is celebrating a major milestone after battling an aggressive form of cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma. For his mom, this moment means so much more than a graduation cere
 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the incredible support we have received from the local business community. These organizations have rallied each and every time to help these children in their battles. We want to acknowledge them and encourage everyone to support them. This is what locals helping locals® is all about.

thanks to all of you, we are making a difference.

 
 
Become A Sponsor
 

Testimonials

“I just want to take a moment to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’ve done for our family, especially throughout our son’s cancer journey. The kindness and support you’ve shown us during such a tough time have meant more than words can express. Your foundation has brought so much comfort and hope to our lives.”
— Phenix
“A huge thank you to Chasin A Dream Foundation for my son’s backpack gift! He has been using his iPad to keep calm and distracted during his many appointments. During a recent trip to the ER, he immediately asked for “tablet” as soon he saw the hospital bed. He remained way calmer than in previous hospital visits, and I’m sure it was largely due to having distracting and comforting items from Chasin A Dream! We are so thankful for Lori and her amazing team. ”
— Emily
“The iPad really helped calm Ethan down for today’s appointment. He was so upset until I turned on Bluey on the iPad, and it kept him calm play games in the waiting room. He thankfully got a great report to the shock of us and the doctor...so we will keep watching before scheduling his next operation!”
— Emily H.
“A simple thank you will never be enough. Lori Griffith you have once again left me speechless with your love for Ethan. I could have sent you a text but I wanted everyone to know the impact you made on my son. You’re the most amazing person and without you our community of sick children wouldn’t be reminded that they/we are not alone….
You and Chasin A Dream Foundation have my heart and deepest gratitude for everything you’ve done for our children.
You have such a special bond with Ethan and it makes my heart smile. Thank you will never be enough.
He will continue to chase his dreams at college and keep making us proud!”
— Donna A.
“Good Morning, I can’t even begin to explain how much your help means to me. I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the kind gesture. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have left me speechless. Your act of kindness has not only brightened my day but also restored my faith. I was sitting here thinking about bills, medical bills, household needs, AunJai Needs and your kind gesture came right on time. AunJai has to have surgery Wednesday and I’m going to miss a two weeks of work without pay and this token of love will definitely help carry me. I greatly and truly appreciate what you did for my son and I Thank you for helping me through this difficult time.”
— Love AunJai & Hy’Deiae
“Thank you SOOO much! I am blown away. Every single thing and every gesture of kindness that you’ve shown us will change our situation immensely. It hasn’t been an easy few years for a variety of reasons - we are so grateful!”
— Kim C.
“Lori, I am incredibly grateful for your assistance in covering our rent. My family and I deeply appreciate you considering our application. A tremendous weight has been lifted from our shoulders. Your mission truly resonates with us, as the support you’ve provided has been life-changing. I never imagined the entire rental payment would be covered. Thank you for helping families like mine find a moment of relief. Chasin A Dream will forever have a piece of our heart. Lori, may God continue to bless you and your foundation, allowing it to expand and reach many more families.”
— Tiffany C
“Sending a heartfelt thank you to Lori Griffith and her organization, Chasin A Dream Foundation for the unwavering support, love, and care during the most challenging times. As a mother navigating a child’s life-threatening illness, your organization has been our guiding lights, our pillars of strength, and our family’s Guardian Angel.

I also wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for creating the Chasin A Break group within the Chasin A Dream Foundation. Your initiative has provided moms like me with a much-needed opportunity to relax, recharge, and simply be ourselves amidst the challenges we face.

The outings and emotional support offered through this group have been invaluable in helping us navigate the ups and downs of parenting children with life-threatening illnesses. Knowing that there is a community of fellow moms who understand and support each other has brought comfort and strength during difficult times.

Your dedication, along with Amber, to creating a space where we can find solace, laughter, and companionship is truly commendable. Please know that your efforts have made a significant difference in our lives, and we are immensely grateful for your kindness and generosity.”
— Warrior Mom
“I want to thank you again. Today we went grocery shopping for the first time in a long time. I was able to get food my family needs. I felt like I got good foods for them to eat nutritiously. Like cheese, yogurt, fruits and veggies and healthier snacks. It’s the little things that impact us so much. We are usually on a big budget and yes I still was but I was able to get the kids stuff I know is better then just ramen noddles. Lori, you impact our day, daily and I can’t thank you enough!”
— Molly S
“Good morning Lori,
Please note, that the medical team at Palm West Hospital is so grateful to your organization for helping our patients & their families at a very difficult time in their lives. The last patient who we had in the hospital, your awesome organization helped the family with all of the baby essentials, an iPad, and gift cards. For example, the VISA gift card was used to pay for patients medications because the baby didn’t have insurance and it takes a month to receive Medicaid. All of the nurses and administrators are grateful.”
— Palms West
“Hey Lori I just wanted to let you know I had my final surgery ever and along this struggle I’ve had to deal with most of my life, you were there to make everything easier and happier for me. I’m forever grateful for the role you played in all my recoveries. Thank you from me and my whole family.”
— Dayton, warrior
“I just wanted to update you on how much you have lifted our burden these last few weeks and thank you again for everything. I’ve been able to have my time back, which has allowed me more time with my babies and LOTS more patience and sanity...and in turn HAPPINESS for everyone here. I even had time to coordinate the move of her future care to Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, so all of her scans will be done closer to home. And I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay a bill when I have to miss work during those times!

I’m able to come home to my family after my ONE job and not have to worry about heading straight to a second job. I’m able to take a day off which is SUCH a needed relief.

We love you guys so much...not just for all that you give but for all that you truly are!”
— Mom of Gracie
“I just wanted to take some time to thank you and the volunteers who make the Chasin a dream mission possible. We are so grateful to have been blessed by your organization. The girls understand the true meaning of Christmas and that gifts are special holiday cheer, but had it not been for organizations like yours, they would have no holiday cheer to wake up to on Christmas Day. Our story is not unique, yet we are humbled and blessed by the generosity of strangers.

Thank you for making Christmas a possibility for us. I look forward to the day when we can pay it forward.”
— Kelly
“It has never ceased to absolutely amaze me everything that Chasin A Dream Foundation does to provide for the warriors and their families! The organization doesn’t just provide a few necessities for the children facing these life-threatening illnesses, but I have seen the organization provide expensive medical equipment, financial support for medications, ad infinitum for families who cannot afford it, and every day necessities for the families like rent!! I personally fell so blessed getting a small understanding of everything that you guys do, and that almost every dollar goes to the beautiful children and their families.”
— Carrie/Alpha Dog Training
“I want to thank you again for loving my boy and everything you do for families like mine. With a huge knot in my throat I want to expressly that gratitude. I also want to add that if you need me for anything let me know. It doesn’t have to be DJing. I’m at the service of Chasin A Dream for whatever it is.”
— Ed B
“In 2011 we started a journey of faith when my Betsy Huerta was diagnosed with renal failure. She was 9 almost 10 years old. She is now 21 and about to turn 22 in May. Was it easy? No, but with God everything is possible!
After several surgeries, biopsies, dyalisis etc. our faith only grew stronger... God gave us strength to survive it all!
And this past Sunday, February 12, 2023 my baby received the kidney we had been waiting for... Hallelujah.
We cannot thank God enough for His love, mercy and faithfullness.
Special thanks to Chasin A Dream Foundation for all your love and that you continue to help us.”
— Mom of Betsy
“Our six year old son Mason M was diagnosed with Leukemia in late June 2021. He has to undergo 3 years of chemotherapy. As you can imagine our world was turned upside down. During our stay in the hospital, Mason received his iPad. Words can’t express how amazing it has been to him. Not only does it allow him to play video games and online schooling, but he used it a lot to FaceTime his two sisters at home. Truly amazing!”
— Mason's parents
“Chasin A Dream is the true gem of South Florida. In a world of cruelty and chaos, the Chasin A Dream Foundation is a safe, peaceful, compassionate light of hope. When you sit in a doctor’s office watching your child receive life-altering medical news, you feel lost, overwhelmed, and hopeless. Lori swooped in and supported us emotionally, physically, and financially. My child didn’t miss the testing and surgeries, because Chasin A Dream was there to help us out. They brought the light back to our daughter’s eyes. Thank you, Lori and Chasin A Dream for giving us the gift of friendship, understanding, and hope.”
“Hello, my son had a pull-through surgery for the hirschprungs disease on April 28th. He had roughly 4 inches of his intestines removed. He started to drink a few days later and had two bites of jello, and started vomiting everything. We moved to PICU and have had complications ever since. There is a leak, and it’s caused an infection. He has two drains going into his peritoneal cavity. They did that on Mother’s day and thought it would allow the leak to heal. About five days ago, one of the drains was leaking from the site. So the day before yesterday, they went in and changed the tube and also pulled out 200ccs and said it was clogged and not allowing it to drain properly. He is in constant pain, on and off fevers, and still eats and drinks very little. We are waiting to speak with our surgeon (Dr.Fischer) today and see what the plan is. We don’t seem to get any answers out of her and have expressed our concerns to the PICU doctors, who also say they are having a hard time getting answers as well. The day before yesterday, a different surgeon who is not there often came in and mentioned an ostomy bag. So now we are considering that in the hope it will let his body heal, and he can come home soon, and in a few months, we pray it will be reversed. My boyfriend has been out of work for over a month, and unfortunately, we don’t have much family to help us. I also want to thank you again for giving my son the bag of cool things and a tablet. The tablet has allowed him to take his mind off things and play some games. Thank you. ❤”
— Casie
“Thank you everyone for your continued prayers. And thank you so much Lori Griffith and Chasin A Dream for being Gabriel’s ‘Guardian Angel’. It is always comforting to know that you are there when we really need you. You took away so much of the stress that we thought we had to go through. We were ready for the fight but you let us know that we didn’t have to fight alone. You were always jumping in when we thought we had to tap out. Many of our meals, clothes and paid bills were because of you. We couldn’t have done it without you. From the deepest parts of our souls, we thank you.”
— Cher
“I truly feel fortunate to be involved with Locals Helping Locals® and Chasin A Dream. The impact of the organization is phenomenal. The team makes sure where there is a critical need locally for a child that it is met. It is rare to find a foundation that operates so successfully in connecting the dots between those (locally) who can help and the families and children that need assistance. It is a gratifying experience to know exactly where your donations and funds go to and towards on a local level.”
— Matthias Fretz
“Chasin A Dream Foundation has been such a blessing to me and my family through this difficult time in our child’s life. We are forever grateful for the love the support we’ve received from this community.”
— The Smith Family
“My daughter Grace and I have spent the last 30 days in Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. She was in traction for almost 4 weeks and then had spinal fusion surgery. The day after her surgery Child Life brought her this amazing and generous backpack from Chasin A Dream. I can’t adequately express how much she loved all of the items in the backpack and how it lifted her spirits. Thank you for your generosity and brightening up a difficult month for my daughter. We are both very grateful! We pray God blesses your wonderful organization as you bless so many children making their life better and happier while in the hospital.”
— Debbie
“ I will like to say thank you all so much. My daughter Chloe was in the hospital, she has sickle cell disease, and I think her name was Anna that came and visited us. She was so nice she gave my daughter Chloe an iPad, a big dog, books, and blanket and I can say thank you so much. Chloe is really enjoying her iPad. This will help when we have to stay over in the hospital”
— Norrisha
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