Klaudia, 26, works as a buyer for a construction company. She first experienced Dreamflight as a child and now returns as a volunteer. In this Q&A, she reflects on what the charity means to her and why she chooses to give back.
What led to your nomination for Dreamflight?
Klaudia: In 2010, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which resulted in me having surgery and chemotherapy.
Being diagnosed at 10 years old, I didn’t understand the severity of the condition, and my first question to my consultant was if I would lose my hair, as I had seen other children around the ward lose theirs. Chemotherapy was brutal, and I was poorly during every round, but it was more than worth it to finally be told I was in remission in August 2010.
My consultant at the RVI was amazing and nominated me for Dreamflight 2012. I will forever be grateful for everything he has done for me.
What can you remember about your own Dreamflight trip?
Klaudia: I remember being very nervous initially before the trip. I was 13 when I went with Dreamflight, so it was a little bit daunting to be spending so much time away from my family and with people I didn’t know. Looking back, I realise I should have never worried about any of this, everyone was so welcoming and I made friends before I had even left our meeting point to start travelling!
What impact did the trip have on you?
Klaudia: The trip completely changed my life, it made me so much more confident, outgoing, and I spoke about it at every opportunity I could when I was back home, I knew that it was something I would most likely never experience again!
What made you decide to come back as a volunteer?
Klaudia: I really wanted to give something back to the charity, and as soon as I was 25 I knew I would be able to apply for the trip, so it was always something I was waiting for. I had volunteered for another charity the previous year and absolutely loved it, I knew that Dreamflight would be next.
“It felt like a complete full circle moment for me.”
How was it experiencing the trip as a volunteer?
Klaudia: It was very surreal coming back as a volunteer. The memories of my trip came straight back as soon as I had the activity log and met up with the other volunteers prior to the trip. It felt like a complete full circle moment for me.
Were any of the volunteers from your own Dreamflight trip there when you returned as a volunteer?
Klaudia: My Group Leader – shout out to Gayle – was actually my Guide when I went as a child and this was my first time seeing her since the Tigger reunion following my trip, she was amazing and I’m so grateful for her! There were multiple other people like Dr.James, Katie, and some of the American daily volunteers who I had spent time with on my trip too. It was amazing to see that they are still going on the trips after 13 years!
What do you understand about the trip that someone who didn’t experience it as a child might not?
Klaudia: I feel that I can give a level of understanding that some people may not be able to relate to. When the VICs spoke to me about feeling anxious but excited at the same time, I knew exactly how they felt! I had spoken to a few of them about how I was once in their position and came as a child, and I could tell that that made them a bit more comfortable. I know that the friendships they build can be amazing for them, I even still speak to some of the other VIC’s from my trip in 2012!
“Their confidence grew so much and I loved being part of that.”
What was it like supporting children on the trip, knowing you were once in their place?
Klaudia: It was so rewarding. I know from my trip how much I looked up to my guide, Gayle, and I knew that I wanted to be there to support my VICs but also give them the freedom and confidence to spend their time really getting to know the other children on the trip. I could feel the trust that my VICs had in me building every day, which was so lovely.
What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
Klaudia: I absolutely loved seeing the change in the VICs. When we met in Newcastle you could tell they were all so nervous, but by the time we got to London they were the best of friends. Their confidence grew so much and I loved being part of that.
“It is the most rewarding feeling I have ever experienced. You will never believe the impact you can make on the VICs.”
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Dreamflight volunteer?
Klaudia: I would 100% recommend volunteering for Dreamflight to anyone who may be considering it. It is the most rewarding feeling I have ever experienced. You will never believe the impact you can make on the VICs.
I would like to thank everyone from Dreamflight for giving me the opportunity to experience the trip from both sides, once as a VIC and again as a volunteer.
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