The YOLO Foundation grants Dreams for adults with a terminal illness. With our headquarters located in Maryville, Tennessee, our network of volunteers and supporters, we serve those in the greatest need in Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties in east Tennessee. We receive no state or federal funding, relying instead on the generosity of our supporters to fulfill Dream requests.
What is a Dream?
Dreams can be as unique as the recipient. A Dream is generally a shared experience with a loved one. Depending on the Dream, it may be with more than one person. Examples include, but not limited to: Going on road trip, fishing trip, family celebrations, traveling to see a place of special interest, or a train ride. The Dream is not limited to these examples.
How do I apply for my Dream to come true?
First, fill out the Inital Dream Request Form. This will get the process started immediately. YOLO will review this request and be in touch soon. The next step will be the Dream Application that will be a little more in depth and will require your physician or allied health provider to confirm your diagnosis.
How quickly can a dream be done?
This is really a case-by-case situation. Once the application has been received, it goes directly to the board for fund approval. The board will respond to requests within 15 work days. If approved, it becomes our priority, and we begin working on it immediately to make it happen as soon as possible. If air travel is involved it may take longer to fulfill depending on the availability of flights etc. or depending on the type of dream. For instance, if a trip to a popular tourist destination is part of a Dream, accommodations might be limited during high season.
Keep in mind when making your request, the type of dream and the number of people you want involved may impact timelines when making your request.
Also sending in an incomplete application will slow down the wish being approved.
Does the YOLO Foundation grant out-of-country Dreams?
We do not typically support out-of-country travel. However, if travel within North America is desired, please request this and provide an alternative wish.
What is a "terminal illess"?
Terminal illness means a serious, incurable condition expected to cause death within a limited time frame.
Do I need to be a Hospice patient to receive a Dream?
No. However, we do give priority to hospice patients. If your Dream is to travel, it will be your responsibility to work with your hospice provider to arrange for hospice care away from home.
How do you prioritize Dreams?
We offer priority based upon urgency. We also give preference to hospice patients, veterans and/or financial hardship.
Can the YOLO Foundation arrange celebrity meet and greets, or celebrity paraphernalia?
We tend to discourage this type of Dream as it is very difficult to arrange due to celebrity availability. However, if the Dream is to attend a particular concert or event that might be something we could fulfill. Again, these Dreams are looked at on a case-by-case basis so please submit your application with an alternative Dream.
What types of expenses will my Dream cover?
Every effort is made to cover all expenses. If travel is part of the dream, transportation by air, train, bus, or car (rental or fuel for personal car). Lodging accommodation, meals and/or per diems, special event fees, museum, park admissions, etc. If in doubt just ask our Dream Facilitator!
Do you have to reside in Blount, Knox or Sevier counties to have a Dream Come True?
Yes, the recipient has to be a resident of one of these counties in Tennessee to receive a dream.
What if I have special medical needs?
We are unable to assist with medical needs, such as ambulance transportation, oxygen, medical equipment, nurses and aides, dialysis, etc.
Can I help my loved one fill out the application?
Absolutely, you can help your loved one fill out the application. However, we do not grant “surprise wishes” and the wish recipient must be aware and give permission to contact their attending physician.
Does chronic illness qualify for a final Dream?
Unfortunately, with our limited funding we have mandates in place that each dream recipient has to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, which is verified by their doctor.
Can I include a loved one with me as part my Dream?
Yes. A big part of the dream is the shared experience for memories to go forward. Depending on the dream, we may be able to support more than one person. For example, a celebratory party might include numerous loved ones. Every dream is as unique as the recipient.
Do you provide travel Insurance?
No, we do not provide travel insurance.
Do you have a disclaimer?
Yes, the YOLO Foundation reserves the right to its sole and absolute discretion to cancel and/or change preparation or fulfillment of the Dream at any time after signing the Agreement if the organization feels the Dream will endanger the health or safety of the recipient. Therefore, we ask that all Dreams be realistic for the recipient and for the YOLO Foundation to fulfill. In addition, should you have a medical emergency during your Dream, we are unable to assist in any way.
What is a Dream?
Dreams can be as unique as the recipient. A Dream is generally a shared experience with a loved one. Depending on the Dream, it may be with more than one person. Examples include, but not limited to: Going on road trip, fishing trip, family celebrations, traveling to see a place of special interest, or a train ride. The Dream is not limited to these examples.
How do I apply for my Dream to come true?
First, fill out the Inital Dream Request Form. This will get the process started immediately. YOLO will review this request and be in touch soon. The next step will be the Dream Application that will be a little more in depth and will require your physician or allied health provider to confirm your diagnosis.
How quickly can a dream be done?
This is really a case-by-case situation. Once the application has been received, it goes directly to the board for fund approval. The board will respond to requests within 15 work days. If approved, it becomes our priority, and we begin working on it immediately to make it happen as soon as possible. If air travel is involved it may take longer to fulfill depending on the availability of flights etc. or depending on the type of dream. For instance, if a trip to a popular tourist destination is part of a Dream, accommodations might be limited during high season.
Keep in mind when making your request, the type of dream and the number of people you want involved may impact timelines when making your request.
Also sending in an incomplete application will slow down the wish being approved.
Does the YOLO Foundation grant out-of-country Dreams?
We do not typically support out-of-country travel. However, if travel within North America is desired, please request this and provide an alternative wish.
What is a "terminal illess"?
Terminal illness means a serious, incurable condition expected to cause death within a limited time frame.
Do I need to be a Hospice patient to receive a Dream?
No. However, we do give priority to hospice patients. If your Dream is to travel, it will be your responsibility to work with your hospice provider to arrange for hospice care away from home.
How do you prioritize Dreams?
We offer priority based upon urgency. We also give preference to hospice patients, veterans and/or financial hardship.
Can the YOLO Foundation arrange celebrity meet and greets, or celebrity paraphernalia?
We tend to discourage this type of Dream as it is very difficult to arrange due to celebrity availability. However, if the Dream is to attend a particular concert or event that might be something we could fulfill. Again, these Dreams are looked at on a case-by-case basis so please submit your application with an alternative Dream.
What types of expenses will my Dream cover?
Every effort is made to cover all expenses. If travel is part of the dream, transportation by air, train, bus, or car (rental or fuel for personal car). Lodging accommodation, meals and/or per diems, special event fees, museum, park admissions, etc. If in doubt just ask our Dream Facilitator!
Do you have to reside in Blount, Knox or Sevier counties to have a Dream Come True?
Yes, the recipient has to be a resident of one of these counties in Tennessee to receive a dream.
What if I have special medical needs?
We are unable to assist with medical needs, such as ambulance transportation, oxygen, medical equipment, nurses and aides, dialysis, etc.
Can I help my loved one fill out the application?
Absolutely, you can help your loved one fill out the application. However, we do not grant “surprise wishes” and the wish recipient must be aware and give permission to contact their attending physician.
Does chronic illness qualify for a final Dream?
Unfortunately, with our limited funding we have mandates in place that each dream recipient has to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, which is verified by their doctor.
Can I include a loved one with me as part my Dream?
Yes. A big part of the dream is the shared experience for memories to go forward. Depending on the dream, we may be able to support more than one person. For example, a celebratory party might include numerous loved ones. Every dream is as unique as the recipient.
Do you provide travel Insurance?
No, we do not provide travel insurance.
Do you have a disclaimer?
Yes, the YOLO Foundation reserves the right to its sole and absolute discretion to cancel and/or change preparation or fulfillment of the Dream at any time after signing the Agreement if the organization feels the Dream will endanger the health or safety of the recipient. Therefore, we ask that all Dreams be realistic for the recipient and for the YOLO Foundation to fulfill. In addition, should you have a medical emergency during your Dream, we are unable to assist in any way.
