They are simple wishes. A trip to the mall. A movie. An excursion to the attractions of Toronto. A nearby family reunion. Taking out a book at the library. Simple, yes. Attainable? Not for many people with physical disabilities. These life pleasures so many of us take for granted are luxuries when getting out of bed is impossible without help. When taking a shower, going to the toilet or getting dressed requires a lift and careful maneuvering. When eating means being fed. When daily living is a challenge, simple wishes become everyday dreams. Judith can’t remember the last time she saw a movie. It’s been years since Steve visited his family, who live only one hour away. It is everyday dreams that can make life fulfilling and meaningful. They can make the tremendous effort of getting up in the morning worthwhile. They are an essential part of independence, freedom and life -- the vision of Cheshire. For more than 25 years, Cheshire has been caring for people with significant physical disabilities in their own homes. We know first hand the importance of small pleasures and simple wishes and have made sure they are within reach for our clients through temporary attendant services. In the last few years, however, government funding has become so stretched, we’ve been forced to cut this vital component from our budget and provide only basic personal care. For the first time in our history, Cheshire is turning to the community for financial support in an effort to continue our long tradition of excellence and resume temporary attendant services. Michail, Judith, Steve, and more than 200 others can once again experience the freedoms and spontaneity the rest of us enjoy without a thought every day. They can be relieved of the burden of finding the money, manpower or both to arrange a simple outing and fulfill an everyday dream. Cheshire London is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the housing and attendant service needs of people with significant physical disabilities in London and region. For more than 25 years we have helped hundreds of people of all ages maintain their independence, dignity, and the ability to live in their own homes. They are young and old with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, head injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, crippling rheumatoid arthritis, and other severe conditions. They are people who would otherwise be in nursing homes or an overwhelming burden to their families. The needs of our consumers are diverse, yet all share the same desire – to live a meaningful life as independently as possible. Serving the City of London and counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Huron, Oxford, and Perth, Cheshire currently employs more than 250 full and part time staff who provide assistance to approximately 215 individuals, with almost as many individuals waiting for service. The wait is so long, however, that many others don’t bother to go on the waiting list.   Once a week, Judith O’Brien manages to get herself to church. For the most part, it’s the only time she leaves her home. Judith was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 36 as a mom with two small children. Now 61, Judith, who has also suffered a stroke, is heavily dependent on Cheshire London to get through each day. For the past seven years, she has lived in one of Cheshire’s supportive housing buildings where an attendant gets her out of bed in the morning and ready for the day, returns at lunch and supper to feed her meals, and is there at night to help her to bed. Judith is grateful for the care but yearns to get out more. A trip to the mall, a movie, grocery shopping, even the opportunity to do her own banking top her list of desires if she could get extra attendant services. When asked when she last went to a movie, she laughs. She can’t remember. It’s been years. Judith missed a friend’s funeral because she couldn’t arrange transportation on short notice. Such events are important to her. But mostly, Judith’s dream is simple. “It would just be nice to get out and look around.”     Michail Bantseev wants to travel. Not far – just to Toronto. Not for long either – a day trip will do. Yet, despite Toronto’s proximity to London, the happening tourist hub is out of reach for this young man. Michail is a quadriplegic, paralyzed below his shoulders. He does own a vehicle equipped to carry a wheelchair passenger, but would need a driver if he were to go to Toronto. Still this isn’t the only thing stopping him. Michail would also need an attendant to accompany him on such a journey, but with no extra attendant care available, Toronto will have to remain an everyday dream.     Understanding the important role that everyday dreams play in maintaining the independence and freedom of individuals with disabilities, Cheshire has established the Everyday Dreams Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help pay for much needed temporary attendant services to allow consumers to visit the library, attend doctor’s appointments, stop at the grocery store or pharmacy, and attend a family gathering or a child’s concert. The dream possibilities are endless.   The first way you can help is by making a donation to the Everyday Dreams Fund. To send an attendant with a consumer for a one-hour Christmas shopping excursion is only $30; for two hours $50; for a full day the cost is $160. Think of the freedom you would provide!    Another way for you to get involved is to act as a host at a Not Just Your Everyday Event. Simply invite your friends, family and colleagues over for a gathering that you will host on behalf of Cheshire. Not only is it a great way to raise money for a great cause, you get to introduce new people to Cheshire’s services, and you receive a tax break for hosting! With just a little help from you, Cheshire’s consumers can continue to lead fulfilling, active lives and be part of the community in which they live. Together, we can make everyday dreams come true. Everyday, Cheshire supports members of our community to get ready to go to work, school, volunteer and to participate in many community based activities.    50% of consumers are from the London core.   50% of consumers are under 50 compared to 25% over 60.   Demographic Summary Number of Active Consumers: 212 Location   London  95   Middlesex  10   Huron  9   Elgin 51   Oxford  25   Perth  22 Multiple Sclerosis is the leading cause of disability among Cheshire consumers followed by Spinal Cord Injury and Cerebral Palsy.