Louisville's Dream Factory Marathon and Half

Twelve weeks and counting… The marathon (and half-marathon) that runs along the Ohio River in Louisville each fall has a long tradition, but this is the first year The Dream Factory has come on board as the benefiting charity, including the naming rights. And we’re very excited!!! Please help spread the word: Louisville’s Dream Factory Marathon and Half is Sunday, Oct. 20. It is now 12 weeks away. We’re aiming for 2,000 runners between the two races with the cap at 3,000. The course starts and finishes at American Turners off River Road with the flat, fast layout staying near the river for a majority of the route. Both races start at 8 a.m. The cost of entry into the marathon is $70 until July 31, $80 until Sept. 30 and $90 up until race day. For the half, the registration cost is $50, $60 and $70. Awards will be presented to the top-three male and female finishers overall, along with the top-three in each age category for both races. Part of the proceeds will be donated to The Dream Factory. Visit the race’s website at www.dreamfactorymarathon.com for more information or to sign up. Inquirers may also contact Tommie Kendall with The Dream Factory at 502.216.0378 or tommie.kendall@dreamfactoryinc.org, or Todd Heady with Headfirst Performance at 502.550.9553 or todd@headfirstperformance.com. Twelve weeks is still plenty of time to get ready to go the full distance of half so lace up your shoes now and head out the door. Also, tell all your running buddies about the race to help spread the word, or newbie’s looking for their first half. Increasing the numbers means helping The Dream Factory, both as a marketing tool to reach out to potentially thousands of people and as a financial gain. Louisville’s Dream Factory Marathon, Oct. 20!

Kisses from Abigail

We at The Dream Factory love hearing feedback from our “dream children” following a return from a vacation. Abigail, age 6 from our St. Louis Chapter, was particularly touching. Abigail visited the Sunshine Foundation on June 27 through July 3 with her family, including her parents, 8-year-old brother, 3-year-old sister and aunt. During their stay at Sunshine, they had three days at Walt-Disney World, one at SeaWorld and one at the beach. Following were her mother’s responses to a questionnaire following their return:

What was your child’s best part of the dream? Magic Kingdom: Small World Ride, Haunted Mansion, seeing Mickey, and by far the lights parade following the fireworks show.

What was your child’s favorite thing about the Dream Village? Abby loved the pool. It was a great ramp to walk her in and out. She did not want to stop swimming.

How has having this dream come true affected your child? Abby is tactile defensive and usually does not seek kisses, etc. like my other two children. She very, very rarely seeks kisses, almost never. At the Disney Parade, I asked her how she liked everything and she leaned forward and gave me the biggest kiss on the lips. (I cried, so special.)

Do you feel that having this dream come true improved your child’s health in any way? Abby definitely slept better; had a hardier appetite; was in high spirits for most of the trip.

According to her family, Abby was emotionally happier and upbeat, interactive with being open to trying new things and her expressions were laughing, smiling and singing. They also pointed out her pain/discomfort decreased with “less crying spells.”

How did this experience affect you and/or your family? We have not had a vacation since Abby was 2. This trip was like a refreshing rain after a very long drought. We have been able to enjoy and spend time with one another in the most wonderful setting. To Abby, life is a big party – she loves parades, music, fireworks – to experience all that was a dream come true!