Introduction

"Making dreams come true" is why we do what we do! The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, inc.™ has been working since 2017 to grant meaningful and manageable dreams to children and young adults with complex medical, mental health, physical and developmental needs. Dreams are requested directly by applicants and are customized and fulfilled by our Dream Committee. The primary focus areas of  the Foundation are the immediate areas surrounding New York City, including associated regions of NY, NJ, CT, PA, and MA as applicable. 

Dream Program

Dream Vision Program

The Dream Vision Program provides funding for and access to  eye exams and glasses for young people with vision concerns who do not have eyeglass insurance or financial resources.

Referrals are largely sent by school teachers, guidance counselors, and social workers. The gift of vision can make a huge difference in a child or teen’s life! 

Special Event – VSP Hope Eye Clinic

The Foundation co-sponsored a 3-day clinic in August 2024 – providing free eye exams and glasses (made on-site) to 188 children and adults. VSP Eyes of Hope provided the eye exams and glasses in collaboration with the Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York at the Henry Viscardi School.

Dreams

In 2024 the Foundation granted 73 dreams. Since our beginning in 2017, we have granted 307 dreams. The Foundation has a continuous stream of dream requests referred by local organizations, hospitals, and schools, as well as requests that come in from families that find us online. All Dreams are completely customized to meet the needs of Dream recipients. Some are granted "on a moment’s” notice to meet urgent medical situations and timelines. Some examples of dreams granted in 2024 are below!

"I’m starting college classes in a month and will studying child psychology. With a degree in child psychology, my dream is to give back and help support children with cancer and medical illness. Know that you and your organization have an immense part in this, as you’ve made my assignments and studying easier with a great durable computer."

- 2024 Dream Recipient

2024 Dreams

Electronics

• Computers, tablets, and smartphones for many teens/young adults living with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, to keep in touch with family, friends, school and pursue academic Dreams.
• Nintendo Switches & PlayStations for children undergoing complex medical treatment, and those living in the hospital.

Getaways

• Trip to Boston and the New England Aquarium for two teens who met on their cancer journeys cancer.
• Trip to the Miami for some sunshine for a teen who just finished chemotherapy.
• Trip to the Jersey shore for a young woman living with a relapse of a life-threatening illness.
• Weekend NYC getaways for families of children with complex illnesses – including visits to the Intrepid, Statue of Liberty, the American Girl Doll store, a Broadway show, and other NYC destinations.
• Amusement park day trip for the family of a child with a complex illness.
• Legoland day trip for a family of 9 with a child with a life-limiting illness. 
• Waterpark day trip for the family of a very sick toddler.

Celebrations & Experiences:

• “Frozen” Princess Party for 4-year-old in the hospital at end of her life. The grand celebration in the pediatric playroom at the hospital included visits from Elsa, Anna, Olaf and two Fairy Godmothers.
• A celebration dinner and shopping spree for a teen following a kidney transplant.
• Tickets to a boxing event for a teen who would have been competing in the Olympics boxing event this year prior to being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Shopping sprees.
• Prom dress and graduation expenses for a teen with a life-limiting medical needs
• Wigs for children who lost their hair during chemotherapy treatment.
• Horseback riding lessons and attire for a teen living with a complex medical problem, delivered by “Frisbee” the pony.
• A birthday party in a restaurant and gifts for a child with a genetic disease.
• Furniture (beds) for hospitalized children enabling them to go home.
• Music lessons for two children and summer camp for a child with medical issues and cancer.
• A fantastic “train experience” enabling a teen to experience the NYC Subway motorman and control center for a day.
• Marching in a NYC parade for a teen.
• Summer camp for a child with cancer.

"I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you and your organization for making such a positive influence in the lives of the children that I see here in the clinic. These kids go through so much both physically and mentally and their lives get totally disrupted. As their teacher, I do my best to keep all the students moving along academically, especially the high schoolers. Since they cannot be in the classroom while in treatment, many of them need a device that allows them to take part and succeed in their studies.

These computers and the other items that you have granted make an enormous difference. The students love to "shop" for what they need and want and have their wish granted due to you and your donors.  You are making a huge impact in the lives of these children and offer them some good during some very difficult times."

- Katie G, Hospital Schools Teacher, NYC Department of Education

Dream Referrer

Fundraising Events

Making dreams come true takes a lot of time, energy, and most importantly – generous volunteers and donors!

"Just to give you feedback on the impact of your organization: My 15-year-old niece has a chronic medical illness and loves fashion. She had to undergo complicated surgery and was distressed about missing school and summer fun with her friends. Your organization granted her (dream) for a shopping spree at the perfect time. Being able to pursue her passion gave her such a strong boost, the change in her spirits is indescribable and she’s continuing her treatment like a champ. May God bless you, and may your organization continue to be a ray of light to children and adolescents fighting cancer and illness, making their Dreams become possible."   

- 2024 Dream Recipient

Linda's Story

The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, Inc. was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of an extraordinary young woman Linda Shohatee (1997 – 2016). Linda spent more than half of her life in hospitals. Despite the obstacles she faced, her story is one of strength and tenacity. Linda saw herself as a “survivor,” and was relentless in her determination to live life to its fullest. Her birthday celebrations were large themed events, her favorite being a spectacular “Sweet 15 Birthday” at Terrace on the Park. Although Linda’s life was full of challenges and far too brief, because of “Fairy Godmothers and Godfathers” in her life, it was truly “Linda’s Happy Life.” 

The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York constantly endeavors to replicate some of the kindness Linda experienced by granting manageable, meaningful dreams and experiences to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults living with complex medical, mental health, physical or developmental needs.

Financials

Making dreams come true takes a lot of time, energy, and most importantly – generous volunteers and donors!

2023-2024 Dream Circle Supporters

Foundation & Corporate Support

Gold 

• Nicole & Mike Graziano, Goldman Sachs Foundation 

Silver 

• Calmoseptine® Inc., Greg Dixon, President

Bronze

• RSM, Inc.
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Dream Donors

• Michael, Erin & Sophie Apmann
• Kathleen McCarthy
• Rosa Family

Sponsors

• Calmoseptine, Greg Dixon, President
• Lynda Olender
• Dana Rosenbloom

Individual & Family Support 

Gold 

• John & Janet Kornreich
• Nicole & Michael Griaziano

Silver

• Fran D’Agostino
• Apmann & McCarthy Family

Bronze

• Ayello, Harris & Associates
• The Capitulo Family
• Nancy Cincotta & Andrew Eichenfield
• John and Kate Peiser
• Nicholas & Marjorie Polydorou
• Gail & Robert Walker