Jamie’s
Dream
Team —
Helping Those in Pain
Charity gives back to people suffering
from serious medical conditions.
By Paul Glasser
S
ince 2005, Jamie’s Dream Team has fulfilled requests from more than 1,000 people who
are handicapped, disabled, terminally ill, severely injured or afflicted by a serious medical
condition.
Jamie Holmes started Jamie’s Dream Team when she was 18 years old. She was born
with VATER syndrome which is a rare condition that leads to congenital deformities in the
vertebrae, kidneys, esophagus and lower intestines. It occurs in about 1.6 of every 10,000
live births, although the true rate may be higher, according to the National Organization for
Rare Disorders.
Holmes has undergone more than 45 surgeries and was often in pain. Although generally
healthy, she 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 Jamie’s Dream Team so 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
I would meet,” Holmes writes on her website. “All I wanted was to give them my balloons,
and have them feel a little of the happiness that others had brought to me. Despite the pain
and suffering that I have, and will continue to endure, my heart has always been with others
who are suffering.”
Jamie’s Dream Team has helped more than 1,000 individuals, and requests have ranged
from family vacations to being princess for a day. Individuals can fill out an application on
the organization’s website, keeping in mind that some requests, such as those involving
cruises or international travel, are not eligible. Holmes says the goal is to create a memorable
experience for each individual.
36 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Jefferson Hills
Jamie
Holmes (r)
and Gabby
Hrinda.