Holmes has undergone more than 45 surgeries and was often in
pain. Although she’s generally healthy, Holmes says she still faces
challenges on a day-to-day basis. When she was younger, Holmes was
embarrassed by her condition but her friends and family supported
her. When they brought balloons and other gifts to the hospital,
Holmes says she felt like a princess. She started the dream team so that
she could help other individuals who were also in pain.
“I remember wanting to share this feeling of joy with the other
kids at Children’s Hospital that I would meet,” Holmes writes on her
website. “All I wanted was to give them my balloons and have them
feel some of the happiness that others had brought to me. Despite the
pain and suffering I have and will continue to endure, my heart has
always been with others who are suffering.”
Requests have ranged from family vacations to being princess for a
day. Individuals can fill out an application on the dream team website
although some requests, like those that involve cruises or international
travel, are not eligible. Holmes says the goal is to create a memorable
experience for each individual.
“Everyone deserves to have that one dream come true,” says
Holmes. “Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and for people of all
ages.”
Managing the dream team is a full-time job and more than a dozen
board members and 50 volunteers help Holmes run her nonprofit
corporation. More than 90 percent of the requests the dream team
fulfills come from the Pittsburgh area. Holmes says she is always
surprised by the support her organization has receives.
“I have learned that there are generous people willing to change the
lives of others,” she says.
The dream team has grown since 2005 and Holmes says she
plans to continue expanding her efforts. The organization recently
received a grant to purchase a new office building and the dream team
participated in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May
14 at Stage AE on the North Shore. The event included a 5k walk and
a 1 mile walk. The proceeds benefited more than 70 health and human
services organizations, including Jamie’s Dream Team. The dream
team is always looking for volunteers and donations to support its
efforts.
A lot has happened in Holmes’ personal life since 2005 as well.
She graduated high school and studied at Community College of
Allegheny County. Holmes is also engaged and planning her wedding.
Despite all the hard work, Holmes says she never gets tired of making
dreams come true for others.
“All of the dreams that we fulfill are unique and memorable because
every family we have helped holds a special place in my heart,” Holmes
says.
For more information about the dream team visit:
jamiesdreamteam.org. n
“
Everyone deserves to have
that one dream come true,”
says Holmes. “Dreams come in
all shapes and sizes and for
people of all ages.
”
McKeesport Area | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 9