Growing up with DMD
Lucas is 9 years old and lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive condition that causes muscles to weaken over time. It shapes every part of his daily life. Tasks that other children take for granted require extra effort, and Lucas now relies on his wheelchair to get through each day.
As Lucas has grown older, he has become more aware of the differences between himself and his peers. Alongside the physical challenges, this awareness has brought anxiety. Being away from his parents is particularly difficult, and unfamiliar situations can feel overwhelming. His mum, Julia, said:
“Lucas’ condition impacts all of us. The life I imagined Lucas would have now looks very different. There’s been a grieving process, but we choose to live our lives to the fullest.”
A leap of faith
In 2025, Lucas’ physiotherapist, Jo, nominated him for the Dreamflight trip to Orlando. She understood how powerful the experience could be for him, especially at a time when life felt very heavy. Jo explains:
“This opportunity came at a time when his condition was progressing. With that comes a slow loss of confidence, independence, and the ability to join in with the things he used to enjoy.”
When Lucas’ mum found out that he had been selected, she had mixed emotions. She desperately wanted her son to experience the magic of the trip, but she also knew how much his separation anxiety might challenge him. The thought of sending him so far from home filled her with worry, until she met the Dreamflight team. She said:
“The second I met Connie, my mind was put at ease. I had full confidence that she would take care of him in the way I would, and that the team would look after all of his needs.”
Even so, when the day came to fly to Orlando, Lucas almost couldn’t go through with it.
“It really was touch and go whether they were going to get him on that plane. Lucas was begging me to come and pick him up. It was the hardest phone call of my life. I said, ‘I love you, I believe in you, I know you can do this – and if you do this, you can do anything in life.’ Then Connie called me from the plane, and I knew he was ok.”
“Sending your child away when they are distressed goes against every instinct. But no matter how difficult it is, our job as parents is to arm our children with the skills they need to navigate life.”
A new found independence
Once Lucas settled into the trip, something shifted. His separation anxiety began to ease, and he threw himself into the experience, supported every step of the way by the Dreamflight team.
“Whilst we only had the pleasure of being with Lucas for 10 days, we were able to ensure he packed weeks, months and years of fun, laughter and great experiences into his suitcase home. The concept of a trip away from his family was initially overwhelming for Lucas, but with great support from his Mum before we left and the bond he formed with his Nurse Guide Connie on the trip he was a true star in the Goofy Group. This is why Dreamflight exists and it was a pleasure to see Lucas have the true VIC (Very Import Child) experience with us!” – Stewart, Goofy Group Leader
When Lucas returned home, his mum noticed the change in him. His wellbeing had improved and he was more confident. He asked for smaller bottles of milk so that he could continue making his own breakfasts, and she realised that he was more capable and willing to take on everyday tasks.
“Before he went, Lucas was really struggling with the differences between him and his peers, and his anxiety was sky high. After spending 10 days on Dreamflight, where he was an equal, he came back happier and lighter.”
We are now accepting nominations for both our UK and Orlando trips all year round. For full information and to nominate a child please head to our nomination page.