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THE NEWS Ava Campbell, pictured with dad Jason. A hot air balloon ride has long been on Ava’s wish list, and thanks to Lifetime Dream Days, she got that.... and a whole lot more. For the last four years, Ava Campbell has watched Balloons over Waikato from terra firma. But last year the Hamilton 13-year-old got to experience the joy of hot air ballooning for herself, thanks to Lifetime Dream Days. The charitable trust hosts dream day experiences for people aged 5-21 years old, who have a health and/or disability condition, and their families. Ava’s mum Lisa Campbell says her daughter has watched the Balloons over Waikato spectacular many times, and frequently said she’d like to go in one herself. In September 2021 Dream Days and Vision Complete Earthworks made it happen. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Lisa says. After the trip, they had breakfast with the hot air balloon crew, went to town for a spot of shopping, played at Time Zone and had lunch with the Vision Complete Earthworks team. Ava, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when she was eight months old, says she was “excited” about the hot air balloon ride and loved that Ava’s hot air balloon dream comes true BYMELANIE LOUDEN she got to see “the whole view” once they were airborne. Lisa says they are grateful to everyone involved in the day. “It will always be a wonderful memory for Ava and our family.” Lifetime partners with businesses, sports groups and individuals to host individualised dream days. In Ava’s case Vision Complete Earthworks generously funded and planned the entire day, says Dream Days consultant, Liz Munt. Nominations for a Dream Day can be made by a health professional, friend or as a self-referral from family. Candidates can be from one of 14 regions across the country, and Liz is particularly keen to hear from anyone in New Plymouth, Wellington or Napier. “There is no cost to the family, just come out and share your time with us and have fun,” Liz says. Go to www.lifetime.co.nz/ about-us/dream-days Meet our team Amy Hogan How long have you been with CPS and what is your job? I have been in different roles over 12 years. My job title is Researcher and Member Support Advisor. What do you love about your job? I love finding different ways to use research to support members. Cerebral Palsy can be difficult to understand, and I like connecting and problem solving. I enjoy representing New Zealand research internationally in groups like the Cerebral Pasly Stem Cell Reference Group and Cerebral Palsy Pain Research Group. What’s a successful day at work? It’s when I have connected with different members throughout the day. I am particularly excited about working on resources specifically for Level IV and V. If resources and funds weren’t an issue, what would you like to see our members enjoying?  I would love to see a NZ Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence to support individuals and families aged from 0-99. What do you do to relax outside of work? I enjoy adaptive CrossFit and yoga. When not in lockdown, I enjoy going to Riding for the Disabled. My main hobbies are reading and gardening. Each edition we introduce you to a CPS teammember. 6 | THE REVIEW JAN–APR 2022