This year marks the 40th anniversary of Dream Come True, a local nonprofit organization that fulfills dreams for children ages 4 through 17 who reside in the greater Lehigh Valley and are diagnosed with a serious, chronic or terminal illness, a news release states.

Founded in 1984 by local businessman Kostas Kalogeropoulos, Dream Come True’s mission is to promote and enrich the lives of children facing serious health challenges by offering them the opportunity to hope and fulfill their dreams.

Dream Come True is made possible through the dedicated efforts of a part-time executive director and a supportive team of board of directors and volunteers. To date, Dream Come True has fulfilled 1,315 dreams — and counting.

Dream categories include trips to travel destinations such as Disney World, Caribbean cruises and major professional sporting events; celebrity meet and greets including National Basketball Association star Stephen Curry, Major League Baseball star Mike Trout, pro wrestler John Cena and author John Greene; shopping sprees to New York City, King of Prussia and more; and special requests such as computers, video game systems and bedroom makeovers.

“This trip was so much more than a normal vacation for us,” one parent said regarding their child’s dream experience. “It was time to be together as a family and enjoy life after childhood cancer. We will be forever grateful to the generosity of Dream Come True!”

Dream Come True’s support extends beyond dream fulfillment. Once a child joins the Dream Come True family, they are supported throughout their lives. During the year, Dream Come True sponsors fun family activities including fishing trips; tickets to local sporting events such as Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Phantoms, Phillies, Eagles, etc.; and holiday party gatherings.

In addition, Dream Come True recipients who are able to attend college or trade school can receive annual scholarships toward their tuition costs for up to five years of undergraduate study. During the last 40 years, Dream Come True has granted 387 scholarships to dream recipients.

Dream Come True is also committed to providing funeral expenses to families when their child’s journey comes to end through its memorial fund. They work alongside local funeral homes to help families create heartfelt memorial services that honor their child’s memory.

All of this is possible because of generous support of Lehigh Valley residents, businesses and organizations through their volunteering, donations, fundraisers and events. Dream Come True depends on the involvement of contributors to continue its ongoing mission.

Visit dreamcometrue.org to see how you can help make a Dream Come True child’s dream come true. For more information, visit facebook.com/dreamcometruelv or instagram.com/dreamcometruelv.