JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dream Day is coming to Northeast Florida this Saturday, and 36 brave children will be celebrated as stars for the day.
Over the week leading up to Dream Day, News4JAX will be highlighting several of the honorees, like 10-year-old Colton Kilgore, a Jacksonville-area boy whose resilience and faith are already inspiring those around him.
Diagnosed at 5
Just days after turning 5, Colton was rushed to three different emergency rooms in two days. Doctors discovered he had coarctation of the aorta, a life-threatening congenital heart defect requiring major surgery and additional procedures in the years ahead.
His father, Jason Kilgore, describes his son simply.
“He’s a pretty good kid, you know, he’s a kid. We try to let him be as much as possible,” Jason said.
After surgery, Colton made clear that his condition would not define or limit him.
“It never stopped me,” Colton said.
Fueled by faith
Now 10 years old, Colton speaks with a conviction that belies his age. He credits his strength not to himself, but to his faith.
“It was hard, but I fought through it with God. God helped me,” Colton said.
When asked how he handles the uncertainty of knowing more surgeries may lie ahead, Colton did not hesitate.
“I don’t allow it to affect me because I know, in my faith in God, I know deep down that He is the one who is keeping me here today and forever until it’s time for me to actually go to Him,” he said.
He also believes his experience carries a greater purpose.
“God has a purpose for everything that he has done in my life and not only my life, everyone’s life,” Colton said.
A family found in Dreams Come True
For the Kilgore family, Dreams Come True has become more than an organization — it has become an extended family.
“It’s a big family,” Jason said.
Colton agrees wholeheartedly.
“It is literally like having a bigger family than normal. They’re like family that never leave your side,” he said.
The family has been involved with Dreams Come True for years.
In 2023, the organization sent Colton to Orlando for a trip filled with theme park adventures and a stay at Give Kids The World, a special resort created for children with serious medical conditions.
For Colton, it was a chance to meet favorite characters and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Dream Day details
The event, organized by the nonprofit Dreams Come True, along with PRI Productions and News4JAX, honors local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
Each child, known as a Dreamer, is treated to a day of royal treatment — dressing up as favorite characters, walking a 150-foot red carpet, meeting their heroes and celebrating with family and friends.
Dream Day 2026 will be held this Saturday, and the public is invited to watch the celebration live from 10 a.m. to noon on WJXT Channel 4 and streaming on News4JAX+.