JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dreams Come True hosted its 8th annual 5K event Saturday morning at the University of North Florida.
It’s the only locally-based dream-granting organization that has helped over 5,000 kids battling life-threatening medical conditions take trips of a lifetime, meet celebrities and grant their biggest wishes for over 40 years. All of it is funded through donations from the community.
Batman hugging a kid at the Dreams Come True 5K. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
“We have puppy dreams, we’ve got Disney dreams, travel dreams, all kinds of things,” Anna Valent, the executive director, said.
Dreams Come True is all about making heroes. They say not all of them wear capes, but today, the capes were out for everyone to feel like a hero.
Kennedy certainly was feeling like a hero, who is almost 10 years old. She was diagnosed two years ago with a form of leukemia, but has pushed through and is shooting for the stars.
Kennedy at the Dreams Come True 5K (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
She’s even gotten the chance to do a coin toss at a Jaguars game.
“I wanna go to Alaska and work with a famous vet Dr. Oakley,” Kennedy said.
Whether you dream of flying cows or meeting characters from another galaxy. Dreams Come True says go for it.
“It’s so moving to see everyone come out and know how much we’re supported and these dreamers are supported,” Valent said.
There are still a couple of ways to get involved. You can donate at dreamscometrue.org.
News4JAX will host a phone bank benefiting Dreams Come True on Monday, Sept. 15, from 4-7 p.m. We will give people the phone number to call when the lines open.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.