Making Dreams
Come True
Dreams2Live4 Impact Report 2025
Dreams2Live4 in 2025 - our 10th anniversary year as a national charity - remained steadfast in our mission: to make dreams come true for adults living with terminal cancer.
And the dreams were as varied and as personal as ever. From singing lessons for Therese, to a witchetty grub for Natalie; from Trevor's final trip home to say goodbye to his dog, to a red panda experience for Sandra and family; and from the bright lights of the TV game show Deal or No Deal for Liz, to watching the sun set from the Harbour Bridge for Kathryn and her loved ones. Hair extensions to honeymoons; family photos and family reunions; sewing machines or gaming consoles; and adventures from every mode of transport. That's just a snapshot of some of the simple and meaningful dreams of our Dreamers.
2025 saw Dreams2Live4 delivering more dreams than at any point in our history. We remain the only charity in Australia dedicated exclusively to fulfilling personal dreams for adults living with advanced or metastatic cancer.
From our humble beginnings as an in-hospital program at Prince of Wales Hospital in 2009, to becoming a national charity in 2015, Dreams2Live4 now receives referrals from more than 370 hospitals, cancer centres, and palliative care units across Australia. While our reach has grown, our purpose has never changed: to bring hope, meaning, and joy at a time when it is needed most.
Dreaming has a powerful and measurable impact on emotional wellbeing. For people facing physical illness, pain, financial pressure, and the uncertainty of advanced cancer, a dream provides relief, purpose, and connection. Each dream extends far beyond the individual Dreamer, touching an estimated 30 family members, friends, and healthcare professionals. Over the past decade, this equates to more than 100,000 lives positively impacted.
With mental wellbeing recognised as a critical driver of quality of life during serious illness, dreaming plays a vital and complementary role in holistic cancer care.
Dreams2Live4 receives no government funding - relying instead on the goodwill of our community, the very many individuals, companies, grants and foundations who understand the impact we make.
Watch this video to learn more about the power of a dream, alongside Dreams2Live4's background and mission.
Chairman’s Introduction
2025 marked a significant milestone for Dreams2Live4 — 10 years as a national charity. This anniversary was honoured through our Night of Dreams, bringing together supporters, partners, Dreamers, and advocates to reflect on a decade of impact and to recommit to the mission that unites us.
In addition to our September Gala, Dreams2Live4 continued to deliver successful fundraising events with corporate and ladies lunches in Sydney; and corporate and Parliament House events in Melbourne, reflecting both the strength of our supporter community and the credibility of our work. On behalf of our valued board members - Louise Mahoney, Mel Agnew, Kee Wong and Anthony Flannery - I sincerely thank our event hosts Peter Overton AM (Nine News), Kath Loughnan (Fox Sports), and Deb Knight (Nine Network), along with Ariarne Titmus OAM, Dan Gorringe, and others who generously shared their time and stories in support of Dreams2Live4.
Our commitment remains unwavering: every eligible adult living with terminal cancer deserves the opportunity to dream. This work is only possible through the generosity of those who donate funds, services, experiences, and expertise — often quietly and without recognition.
As we reflect on the impact achieved in 2025, I thank everyone who has walked alongside Dreams2Live4 and pay credit to our retiring CEO and founding Dream Maker, Louise who has shepherded Dreams2Live4 since inception. With your continued support, we look ahead to 2026 with confidence and purpose under a new CEO, Kathryn Patten.
Pat O’Sullivan
Chairman, Dreams2Live4
The Impact of a Dream
Dreams2Live brings hope, joy and purpose to the lives of adults living with terminal cancer.
In 2025, 97% of Dreamers reported that their dream had a positive impact on their emotional health.
“Poor mental health has a devastating effect on cancer survivors’ lives, leading to longer hospital stays, elevated mortality rates, and considerable difficulty returning to the workforce.”
People living with cancer experience mental health conditions at twice the rate of the general population, with anxiety or depression affecting approximately 40% of patients*.
At Dreams2Live4, this evidence is reflected in lived experience every day. As our founder Annie Robinson said: “If we can encourage people to think about what their dreams may be, and help them achieve those dreams, we may improve the outlook of their disease. It’s not possible to think about anything else when you are living and breathing your dreams.”
Medical professionals continue to affirm this impact:
“Simply thinking through dream options can distract patients from symptoms and dark thoughts. It enriches their lives and those of their families - it makes such a difference.”
Out-of-pocket cancer costs compound financial and psychological distress in cancer patients. 42% of Dreams2Live4 applicants live in Australia’s most disadvantaged areas (ABS data).
Many Dreamers also belonged to highly vulnerable groups, including single parents and those impacted by domestic violence; or face additional challenges, including financial hardship, reduced ability to work, and complex family responsibilities. Dreams help by providing joy, dignity, and connection, through some of the darkest days.
A dream offers a vital reprieve — shifting focus from illness to hope.
“Making plans to tick items off a list can give cancer patients a sense of self-determination and hope for the future.”
Dreams2Live4 delivers clear, measurable outcomes: improved mental wellbeing, reduced social isolation, and restored dignity, joy, and emotional relief.
With almost one in two Australians expected to be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and around 146 people dying every day from cancer, emotional support is critical.
The Australian Cancer Plan (2020–2025) prioritises innovative, cost-effective, evidence-based models of support — underscoring both the relevance and urgency of Dreams2Live4’s work.
Tegan, 38 years old is living with advanced breast cancer. Her dream was to marry Todd, the father of her little girl Torah. Todd had been planning to propose when Tegan was pregnant but her cancer diagnosis and treatment put the plans on hold until 2025 and Dreams2Live4's help.
Tegan, 38 years old is living with advanced breast cancer. Her dream was to marry Todd, the father of her little girl Torah. Todd had been planning to propose when Tegan was pregnant but her cancer diagnosis and treatment put the plans on hold until 2025 and Dreams2Live4's help.
Blake is just 31 and has been living with a cancer rollercoaster for the past 17 years, having been diagnosed with leukaemia at 13, advanced thyroid cancer, and more recently non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His dream was to meet Adelaide Crows player Taylor Walker (Tex).
Blake is just 31 and has been living with a cancer rollercoaster for the past 17 years, having been diagnosed with leukaemia at 13, advanced thyroid cancer, and more recently non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His dream was to meet Adelaide Crows player Taylor Walker (Tex).
Andrea, 30 a mother of four, and just 30, living with failing health from advanced bile duct cancer. "My dream has always been to take my children to Disney World. However, I’ve had to reimagine this dream and bring it closer to home, creating a magical Disney-inspired staycation in Sydney.”
Andrea, 30 a mother of four, and just 30, living with failing health from advanced bile duct cancer. "My dream has always been to take my children to Disney World. However, I’ve had to reimagine this dream and bring it closer to home, creating a magical Disney-inspired staycation in Sydney.”
Yolanda is living with advanced melanoma. Her father has his own health limitations. "There have been many teary phone calls that would have ended better with a tight hug. So we dreamed the dream to go from Queensland to Victoria so I could hug my Dad for his 86th birthday."
Yolanda is living with advanced melanoma. Her father has his own health limitations. "There have been many teary phone calls that would have ended better with a tight hug. So we dreamed the dream to go from Queensland to Victoria so I could hug my Dad for his 86th birthday."
Dreamers who are beneficiaries of Dreams2Live4 report in their post-dream surveys:
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
97%
97% of Dreamers indicated their dream had a positive impact on their emotional health.
CHANGE FOCUS
96%
96% agreed their dream enabled them to focus less on their cancer.
FAMILY WELL-BEING
95%
95% suggested their dream had a positive impact on emotional well-being of their family..
Dreams in Action
2025 was our biggest year yet for delivering dreams
Dreams fulfilled by Dreams2Live4 often reflect long-held hopes. Many are simple; some are complex. All are deeply personal.
The planning and anticipation of a dream often proves as powerful as the dream itself, scaffolding resilience and shifting conversations.
In 2025, dreams ranged from memory-making experiences such as weddings, family reunions, photoshoots, and milestone events to practical improvements that ease daily challenges, or bedside wishes for patients too unwell to leave hospital. Each dream shifts focus from illness to living, creating lasting memories for Dreamers and their loved ones.
Dreams can be the reason to get out of bed in the morning - like Dreamer Gwen from Griffith. Gwen sadly passed away in February, but not before she had her dream, which was to spend time with her daughter and grandkids on the South Coast. Husband Colin, told us after “The dream meant a great deal to Gwen. For one, it involved over a month of planning and feeling in control. Which gave both Gwen and me something to focus on, a reason to keep going, a goal to achieve, a reason to live, and a purpose to live. A reason to get out of bed and not just in God's Waiting Room.”
"We set ourselves goals, like having a vanilla slice, sitting on the beach, seeing the eldest grandson in his uniform as he transitioned to high school. It no doubt helped Gwen reach what felt was an impossible task: her 71st Birthday.”
Or dreams can help connect and help Dreamers find their way back to joy again. Like 22-year-old Riley from a small farming community in rural Queensland. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February, he described life since as being an ‘absolute rollercoaster’ with illness, surgery, treatments, and hospital stays.
Riley was dreaming of a holiday away with his family, saying “I’d like to spend some quality time with my family that doesn’t involve trips to the hospital, so I can just forget about cancer for a bit and what appointment comes next.” Farming commitments meant that he hadn’t been on a plane since he was a baby.
Unfortunately, Riley’s condition made him unable to travel, so his dreams evolved into something that could bring the travel experience to him. Dream Makers had some electronic gaming equipment and flight controls winging their way to Riley in no time. With Mum saying "He has the PC set up now and we are finally seeing some smiles emerging.”
“The impact of living with metastatic cancer can be horrific. Dreams2Live4 provides positive memories and comfort for patients and their loved ones — something that cannot be understated.”
Dreamer Gwen and grandchildren.
Dreamer Gwen and grandchildren.
Riley, 22 with his gaming equipment and flight controllers. With mum Tanya, saying "we are finally seeing some smiles return".
Riley, 22 with his gaming equipment and flight controllers. With mum Tanya, saying "we are finally seeing some smiles return".
Dreams Reach
Applications were received from every state and territory
In 2025 Dreams2Live4 received applications from every state and territory, with growth strongest in Queensland and South Australia. Overall applications rose by 13% on 2024.
Not all applications are fulfilled immediately, as many Dreamers are still deciding on their dreams, or planning ahead, or sadly become too unwell to proceed. However, in 2025 we fulfilled 15% more dreams than 2024 and more dreams than in any other year in our history.
Referrals were received from over 370 hospitals, cancer centres, and palliative care services nationwide, demonstrating the trust placed in Dreams2Live4 by healthcare professionals.
Dreamers ranged in age from 17 to 90, with an average age of 54:
- 58% were women
- 35% were men
- 7% were undefined
- 67% were parents
- 24% were grandparents
- 9% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- 18% were born outside Australia
- 7% were from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Fiji, Finland, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, Libya, the Philippines, Poland, Syria, Turkey, and Vietnam.
With such a large proportion of our Dreamers parents, it's clear to see how we touch the lives of both the patient, and their families who are deeply affected by the cancer journey.
In 2025, as in all years, we have realised dreams for cancer patients that will provide memories for their loved ones for years to come - whether that's in a hot air balloon or an animal experience, family photoshoots or a family reunion, a special trip away or a living wake - these experiences are cemented into the memories of many.
We estimate that each dream touches the lives of at least 30 friends, family and medical teams.
Jehan is just 18 years old and living with relapsed leukaemia. His dream was for a Sony Playstation to play video games with his friends. Dream Maker Annabel hand delivered the console, so Jehan could get on with getting his mind off his cancer and reconnecting with friends online.
Jehan is just 18 years old and living with relapsed leukaemia. His dream was for a Sony Playstation to play video games with his friends. Dream Maker Annabel hand delivered the console, so Jehan could get on with getting his mind off his cancer and reconnecting with friends online.
Iris is living with advanced endometrial cancer and about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Her dream was simple and sweet, to have a birthday high tea with friends and family.
Iris is living with advanced endometrial cancer and about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Her dream was simple and sweet, to have a birthday high tea with friends and family.
NZ born Mel is just 41 and living with advanced kidney cancer. Her dream was simple but deeply meaningful - to capture the love of her family in a portrait while she still could.
NZ born Mel is just 41 and living with advanced kidney cancer. Her dream was simple but deeply meaningful - to capture the love of her family in a portrait while she still could.
A Night of Dreams
Celebrating our 10th Anniversary as a nationwide charity.
For 10 years, Dreams2Live4 has transformed the lives of adults living with terminal cancer by encouraging them to dream — and helping those dreams become reality.
Our 10th Anniversary Gala on 6 September 2025, hosted by Phil Burton (Human Nature), marked this milestone. Highlights included a special performance by Marcia Hines, with Andrew Denton opening proceedings, and a deeply moving moment when Bill, the son of our late Founder Annie Robinson, joined Phil Burton to perform Every Time You Cry — the song Annie once sang herself whilst chasing her own dreams live on stage with Human Nature.
Phil Burton, Human Nature performs Every Time You Cry with Bill Robinson at the Dreams2Live4 10th Anniversary Gala Ball.
Phil Burton, Human Nature performs Every Time You Cry with Bill Robinson at the Dreams2Live4 10th Anniversary Gala Ball.
After the live performances and the exquisite dining, Peter Overton AM of Nine Network, looked back over his 10 year association with our charity, before our audience of supporters, donors, and Dreamers all took to the dance floor to celebrate.
The wonderful support we received through the Gala and the general feeling of warmth and love for our mission, reinforced our commitment to making dreams come true for the decade ahead.
Dream Support
Thank you to our donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and funders who help make dreams possible.
The impact achieved in 2025 was made possible through the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, grant makers, and community fundraisers. Fundraising events, grants, workplace giving, and in-kind support strengthened both dream delivery and organisational sustainability.
Community fundraising continued to grow through initiatives such as Dry July and our online fundraising platform, empowering Australians to turn compassion into action. Corporate partners contributed funding, pro bono expertise, services, and unique experiences — enhancing impact well beyond financial support.
To everyone who supported Dreams2Live4 in 2025 — thank you. Your generosity ensured no eligible Dreamer was ever turned away.
Our sincerest thanks to the corporations that support our events with their attendance, auction and raffle prizes; and those who help us with dream requests. These include:
Adelaide Oval
Adobe
Anywhere Travel
Cav'art Designer Store
Carsales
Coco Republic
Community Bank Lindfield
Deutsche Bank
Doltone House
Harvey Norman
Hughes Chauffeur Service
Jarvis Group
Lagardere AWPL
Lumus Imaging
Luxury Escapes
MaxStudio
MECCA
Mounties Group
MYOB
MinterEllison
Nine Network
Prestige Furniture Logistics
Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Salesforce
SANFL
Sharp Airlines
Suncorp
Snap Printing
(St Leonards Eastwood)
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
TEG
Temp & Agnew
Urban Rest
VidZero
Also thanks to the many AFL and NRL clubs who have helped us fulfil the sporting dreams of our beneficiaries in 2025. Including:
Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon Football Clubs; Geelong Cats; Sydney Swans; along with the Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, Manly Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Grants and Foundation support in 2025 included:
Ashfield RSL Club
Bendigo Bank
Catholic Club
City of Sydney RSL
City Tatttersals
Club York Bowlers Club
Bathurst RSL
CommBank Staff Foundation
Dry July Foundation
Dyson Bequest
Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL
Eastern Star Foundation
Goulburn Soldiers Club
Halekulani Bowling Club
Harbord Diggers
James Frizelle Charitable Foundation
Kingsgrove RSL
Lord Mayors Charitable Trust
MDRT Foundation
Mekong Club
Orange Ex-Services Club
Queanbeyan Leagues Club
Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club
Steadfast Foundation
Tour de Cure
Triglav Club
Community Heroes took on challenges including Ironmen competitions; Marathons; Park Runs; City to Surf; Bridge to Bridge; our valued supporters at Run the River.
We are so grateful to all those that ran, skipped, walked or cycled and chose Dreams2Live4. Our sincerest thanks also to all those who choose to go Dry in July; and to those who purchase Play for Purpose raffle tickets in our name; and those who choose dreams over gifts for birthdays; and finally our love and thanks to those who honour loved ones with in-memorials.
We can't name all here, but our thanks go out to all including:
Ange Daly
Caloundra City Realty
Chris and Georgina Turner
Chris Williams
Dakota Perrett
Elizabeth Taylor
Haz Family Runners
James Carroll
John Jagus
Lara Schilling
Letitia O’Malley and Run the River
Lois Allen and the Stirling Charity Shop
Matthew Leckenby
Scott Dalton
Simone Wise
Slany McManus
Susan Bird
Tamara Ballerini and Lumus Imaging
Mona Vale Golf Club
Volunteers help Dreams2Live4 in a myriad of ways from office roles, to fundraising at our Melbourne and Sydney 'Lunch With' events; as well as our Ladies Lunch and Night of Dreams Gala.
We ae so grateful to all our event and our office volunteers who include:
Adelene West
Alistair Dorward
Amelia Mouyis
Amanda Stapleton
Amanda Stevens
Anisha Kumari
Ann Neumann
Anna Robison
Apparao Ganisetty
Astrid Jayengsari
Barbara Whitten
Bayley Fox
Belinda Harris
Casey Boyle
Claire King
Courtney Montgomery-Dye
Dawn Harkin
David O'Connor
Deanna Kyriazopoulos
Donna Craig
Eliza Nickson Pole
Eva West
Frances Madden
Graham Mawer
Grace Dong
Hadis Barzandeh
Helen Singleton
Jackie Milch
Jessica Guppy
Jo Mullins
Jodie Lynch
Jules Nickson Pole
Julie Aherne
June McFadyen
Karen Laybutt
Kerry Seymour-Smith
Krishna Sathyamurthie
Leah Abel-Waisman
Lisa Ruggiero
Mary Zuber
Matilda Nickson Pole
Melissa Agnew
Milly Jiang
Nadine Cattell
Nanthakumaran Kanapathipillai
Nicola Mitchell
Nikki Drummond
Priya Dutta
Rachel Oeding-Erdel
Rachel McClafferty
Raju Mor
Rechelle Parker
Sara Kermaninejad
Sarah Hayes
Sarah Kaati
Sarah Smith
Scaria Johney
Sebastian Sheard
Sharath Nadhyastha
Sook Yin Chan
Sophia Charalambous
Stefanie Plavoulis
Stephanie Clark
Tara Canin
Thalia Gordon
Vinay Sunkara
Wes Nel
Zoe Chen
CEO’s Message
2025 was a year of remarkable growth and profound impact. Dream applications increased by 13%, with referrals coming from more hospitals and cancer care settings than ever before.
2025 was also a momentous year for me personally, as I stand down as CEO and Chief Dream Maker from the organisation that has been such a big part of my life over the past 17 years. Whilst in 2026 I won’t be as involved in the day to day of dreams, I remain firmly committed to our charity and our mission. I am remaining on the Board, I’ll be at every event, and I will be volunteering as a Dream Maker when our team members take their well-earned breaks. I’m delighted that Kathryn Patten has agreed to take up the mantle as CEO, and I thank all our Dream Team for their commitment to our Dreamers.
I am deeply grateful to the donors, partners, event attendees, community fundraisers, grant makers, and foundations who have made Dreams2Live4 what it is today. With 1 in 2 Australian's predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, our growth is not surprising - as the evidence about the positive impact of mental wellness and positivity on those living with cancer also grows.
But with that growth, we need your support more now than ever before to ensure that no patient is ever turned away from their dreams.
As ever we like to leave the last word to our Dreamers so please watch this accompanying video from Dreamers drawn from the last 10 years. It so eloquently outlines why supporting Dreams2Live4 now, and in the future, is so important to those living with terminal cancer.
Louise Mahoney
CEO and Chief Dream Maker 2009-2025
Louise Mahoney OAM
CEO 2015-2025, Dreams2Live4
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