A signature Jacksonville community event to celebrate local children battling life-threatening illnesses returned Saturday with Dream Day 2026, and News4JAX was there from start to finish.

Ten years ago, Riley Ruppert Richendollar arrived at Dream Day as a child facing a frightening diagnosis. He was just 7 years old when doctors found an inoperable brain tumor deep in his brain. Surgery was too risky, so Riley’s life became filled with chemotherapy, MRIs and constant doctor visits.

A 9-year-old Jacksonville girl is preparing for a weekend her family will never forget. Paisley Speed is one of the children being honored at this year’s Dream Day, an event that celebrates children facing serious medical challenges.

Dream Day is coming to Northeast Florida this Saturday, and 36 brave children will be celebrated as stars for the day. Today, we're sharing the story of 10-year-old Colton Kilgore, a Jacksonville-area boy whose resilience and faith are already inspiring those around him.