JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One local non-profit organization is showing the community that dreams really do come true. On Friday, Dreams Come True hosted its first-ever Halloween bash for ten children and their siblings.
Dreams Come True is dedicated to granting the dreams of children battling life-threatening illnesses. The Halloween party featured lots of candy, a balloon artist, games, pumpkin-shaped cookies and a surprise visit by the Sweet Frog mascot. This event put smiles on more than a dozen kids' faces, and their parents' faces as well.
Mike Spurlock said his 5-year-old son, Gage, who was born with ontogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, wasn't supposed to live past birth.
"He's our miracle, and we looked at him as our miracle baby when he was born," Spurlock said. "We treat him the same way we treat our lives. We take each day, enjoy it, and live to the fullest and realize we're never guaranteed tomorrow, and that's the way we look at it with him."
The children had a great time living out their dreams while trick-or-treating in their favorite costumes. The party gave the kids and their families a chance to forget about their everyday battles with life-threatening illnesses.
"Not only did they fulfill Gage's dream," Spurlock said. "But afterwards they have been to visit the hospital, come to visit (us) and help out."
The Halloween Bash is one of several events Dreams Come True sponsors throughout the holiday season.