Some dreams stay on vision boards. Others come true with a handshake, a smile, and a photo to remember forever.
Fourteen-year-old Daniel Botha from Bryanston had his dream of meeting his sporting hero, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, fulfilled by the Reach For A Dream Foundation, which has been bringing hope to children facing life-threatening illnesses since 1988.
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Daniel Botha’s unforgettable experience with Siya Kolisi
Botha is a down-to-earth teenager, living with bone cancer, who spends his time watching sports and researching his favourite animals. For his dream day, Daniel and his family were treated to tickets to watch the Springboks take on England at Ellis Park Stadium.
Over lunch at Panarottis, Daniel was excited to watch the game live. Little did he know that an unforgettable experience was about to unfold. A Reach For A Dream fieldworker finally revealed that his dream of meeting Siya Kolisi was about to come true.
Daniel was in awe as he walked down the tunnel, hand in hand with his hero, to a buzzing crowd. His face beamed with pride as he took in the cheers after he was introduced as a dreamer and special member of the team. The Springboks’ victory sweetened Daniel’s dream day and celebrations continued with the team.
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A reminder of why dreams matter
“Daniel is an incredible young boy with a big personality and an even bigger love for his parents and the Springboks. Despite recently being involved in an accident and attending his dream day on crutches, he was determined not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re proud to have made his dream come true,” says Silindile Tsotetsi, Reach For A Dream’s Gauteng Regional Manager.
Daniel’s mother, Stefanie Botha, added: “While there are many things I can buy for my son, this was one moment I couldn’t. Watching him live out his dream and create memories that will last a lifetime was truly priceless.”
His dream day served as a beautiful reminder of why dreams matter. It reignited his hope and brought joy to him and his family. His dream is one of the seven dreams Reach For A Dream fulfils each day.
Also see: Siya Kolisi spends time with ‘his girls’
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