With the help of Builders Care, Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), and several vendors and volunteers, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville recently surprised 4-year-old St. Augustine resident, Jude Kelly, with his playhouse dream.

Jude was referred to Dreams Come True, a locally-based wish granting organization for children battling life-threatening illnesses, after he was diagnosed in 2019 with langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer. A three centimeter tumor was found behind his right eye, which caused burning sensations and sensitivity to light. Jude recently completed chemotherapy treatment, which began in June 2019.

Construction on the playhouse began Monday, August 3, 2020. During construction, Dreams Come True sent Jude and his parents on a camping stay at Hannah Park. The family returned on Saturday, August 8, and were welcomed home by several volunteers who had a hand in fulfilling Jude’s dream.

The playhouse was designed to be an interactive and recreational area for Jude and his friends to play, explore, imagine and dream big. The playhouse features its own sand box, swing, picnic tables and an exclusive room for Jude to enjoy all his activities.

“With more than 60 of our travel dreams on hold during the current pandemic, we are grateful for local community partners, like Builders Care, who do not hesitate in helping us bring hope and joy to children battling life-threatening illnesses,” stated Sheri Criswell, Executive Director, Dreams Come True. “For some of our dream children, like Jude, their dreams unfold right here in our community and we strive to always be ready to create these lasting memories.”

Builders Care involved dozens of its caring members from the Northeast Florida Builders Association to donate building materials, play equipment, interactive games, volunteer hours and monetary donations to fulfill Jude’s dream. Due to everyone’s generosity, the entire build was donated.

To date, more than 4,000 local children have seen their dreams turned into reality. For more information, visit www.dreamscometrue.org.