DreamKid in Action

Meet one-year-old Leo Pezzente. Not only is Leo one of the cutest little boys you've ever seen, but he's also one of the bravest ... and he's inspired us in a big way!

For the last 10 months, Leo has been fighting a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma. His parents, Maria and Remo, discovered the problem when they noticed an unusual white hue over his eye in digital photos they had taken. Within hours, the diagnosis of retinoblastoma was made and soon after Leo underwent a rigorous series of treatments and surgeries.

Through it all—surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant—Leo has astounded everyone with his extraordinary courage and spirit. He has come out of every procedure smiling, laughing and ready to play and has inspired everyone around him from family, neighbors, nurses, and friends.

Amazing!

We are happy to report that Leo is back at home with his family and doing well =) He is a shining example of a DreamKid in Action, who at only one year old, he has reminded us how to face the challenges life throws our way with courage, hope and a happy smile. Thank you Leo!

Leo’s parents, Maria and Remo Pezzente, have undertaken a campaign to raise awareness of retinoblastoma. Almost every new diagnosis of this form of eye cancer is made by parents noticing the white pupil in photographs of the baby. SickKids’ opthamologist Dr. Brenda Gallie indicates that this awareness is key to early diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma. Click here to learn more about retinoblastoma and the importance of photographs for early diagnosis.

Win an iPod Shuffle!

During the months of April and May, all new subscribers to the DK Parents e-newsletter will have the chance to win a new iPod Shuffle! Simply enter your name and email address on our Newsletter Sign Up page and you will automatically be entered to win.

In addition, refer a friend to subscribe to DK Parents and both you and your friend will have the chance to win. Simply send us an email to let us know the name of the friend(s) you have referred—as long as they have subscribed to the e-newsletter via our website, your names will be entered for the draw in early June. There’s no limit on how many referrals you make—we’ll enter your name for every new subscriber you refer! Email us your referrals at: parents@dreamkids.ca.

Please visit our website for complete contest details. Good luck!

T.O. Kidsshow - March 29th & 30th

DreamKids will be at the T.O. Kidsshow in Toronto on March 29th and 30th. This event is for families of all ages—from pregnancy to pre-teen. There’s shopping, fun and a wide range of resources and activities, which makes it a great outing for families in the area. The show is being held at the Toronto Congress Centre.

For more details on show times and location, please visit: http://www.tokidsshow.com/. See you there!

DK Founder is New Resident Expert

DreamKids founder, Kelly Pryde, Ph.D., has been named the new resident expert at MommyClub.ca. MommyClub is a trusted resource for Canadian Moms providing them with a wide range of opportunities to learn, connect and share "Everything Mom." Kelly will be responding to questions and concerns to help Moms live with more energy, wisdom and passion.

Have a question for Dr. Kelly? Log on to www.MommyClub.ca and just ask--no question is off-limits!

DreamKids is What's Hot for Tots!

DreamKids tees and parents newsletter were featured this week on WhatsHotForTots.com – a website that features “fabulous finds for moms and tots.” WHFT reviewer Carly was thrilled with her black “Anything but ordinary” tee for her daughter and highlighted the DK Parents newsletter, saying:

“I have found parenthood to be the most rewarding and challenging experience of my life. I am so grateful to find a resource that can help me to be a better mom and create a positive, loving environment for my daughter to laugh, love and dream!”

Thank you What's Hot for Tots!!

A Room to Learn

DreamKids supported charity, Heart to Heart Africa, has successfully built its first Kindergarten classroom in Kitonga Village,Tanzania! The school opened on January 7, 2008 and is the first of its kind in the district. More than 80 children between the ages of 3-7 were registered to attend on opening day.

This accomplishment will make an extraordinary difference in the lives of many children and the community and we are so proud and honored to be a part of it.

According to H2H Africa founder, Christine Nimeth, the village of Kitonga wanted her to convey their sincere appreciation and thanks to the Canadian people for their love & generosity.

Fantastic!!

Click here to learn more about Heart to Heart Africa and the DreamKids 130 Fund.

Peace, Love and Books for Kids

Did you know that 38% of Grade 3 Ontario students fail the standard reading exam? Neither did we.

Indigo Books and Music has recently launched a compelling documentary highlighting the emerging literacy crisis in Canada's schools (click here to watch the documentary or learn ways you can help) . Many of our children are not being given the opportunity to reach their potential and we want to help change this.

From November 18 to December 31, 2007, DreamKids will be donating $1 from every product and gift wrap purchased in our on-line store to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. This initiative will help to buy books and learning materials for many Canadian schools in need. It's a little thing that matters!

Come shop with us ... buy a gift ... and make a difference!