Dream On 3 Sends North Carolina Teen on Surfing Dream Trip to Hawaii
- Topsail Times
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
By Kelsey Ruocco
16-year-old Braxton Bachand rides his first wave after a life-changing accident.
A long-delayed Christmas present will be delivered to North Carolina teen Braxton Bachand this week … although he’ll have to travel to Maui, Hawaii, to receive it.
Nineteen months after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on Christmas Eve 2023 during a dirt bike accident, Bachand, 16, from Hampstead, North Carolina, will realize his dream of surfing in Hawaii. Dream On 3 (DO3), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sports experiences for children, teens and young adults living with life-altering medical conditions, is making Braxton’s dream trip possible … along with the support of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and professional surfer Cody Young.
“Watching Braxton fight his way back after the accident has been the hardest and most inspiring journey of our lives,” said his mother, Jennifer Bachand. “This surfing dream means more than just catching a wave — it’s a celebration of how far he’s come and a reminder that there’s still so much joy ahead.”
On Monday, July 21, Braxton, mom Jennifer, dad Ryan and older brother Dane will fly with Dream On 3 coordinators to Maui, where the Bachand family (known as ʻohana in Hawaii) will be greeted with a traditional Hawaiian welcome upon arrival at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The Five-star luxury beachfront resort is graciously donating the accommodations and other amenities during the Bachands' four-night stay, which will include tours of the island, beachside luaus and, ultimately, Braxton’s dream of riding the waves in his surfing comeback.
"We are honored to play a small part in Braxton's incredible journey. At Four Seasons Resort Maui, we believe in the power of healing, joy, and unforgettable experiences — especially for children like Braxton who inspire us all with their strength," said Ben Shank, General Manager. "Partnering with Dream On 3 to help bring his surfing dream to life reflects our belief that the spirit of aloha transcends all boundaries."
Braxton, however, says he doesn’t just want to surf … he wants to “catch air.” He’ll attempt to do so under the tutelage of professional surfer Young, who serves as a volunteer and organizer for Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that delivers surf therapy to kids with special needs.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is one of dozens created each year by Dream On 3 for youth living with chronic illnesses, intellectual and
developmental disabilities, or life-altering injuries. Braxton’s passion for sports and adventure—along with his determination—inspired the DO3 team to create a dream just as bold and resilient as he is.
Following his accident, Braxton spent 25 days in the ICU, underwent numerous surgeries, and suffered several life-threatening setbacks before he was able to be transported to Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, a nationally ranked patient rehabilitation center, where he received intensive neurorehabilitation treatment.
Dream On 3 has an extensive relationship with the Shepherd Center, which is a recognized referral partner for the Charlotte-based nonprofit organization. DO3 relies on partners, like hospitals and healthcare organizations, to identify children and young adults who might benefit from their sports-themed dream experiences.
“Our mission is to use the power of sport to bring hope and healing,” said Brandon Lindsey, Co Founder of Dream On 3. “Braxton’s strength and perseverance embody the very heart of what Dream On 3 stands for.”
About Dream On 3
Dream On 3 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC, that makes sports-themed dreams come true for children and young adults (ages 5–21) living with life-altering conditions. By creating personal, joyful experiences with athletes, teams and sporting events, DO3 inspires hope, builds community and changes lives. The organization continues to expand its national reach, connecting deserving dreamers with experiences and their heroes in the world of sports. To learn more about Dream On 3 or to support future dream experiences like Braxton’s, visit www.dreamon3.org.
About Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Maui's legendary Forbes Five-Star resort is nestled on 15 acres of the breathtaking Wailea Coast. The 383-room oceanfront property is world-renowned for its comfortable opulence, impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and for living in harmony with its environment and community. The resort in Maui is also home to one of the nation's top-rated spas committed to wellness and four of Hawai‘i's most acclaimed restaurants—Ferraro's Restaurant & Bar, KOMO, Spago Maui and DUO Steak and Seafood. This sophisticated home away from home caters to the needs and interests of all generations—offering world-class outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind Unforgettable Experiences, cultural activities, a museum-quality art collection, three pools overlooking the azure-blue Pacific Ocean, including an adults only infinity pool, and more. Four Seasons Resort Maui, a Hawaiian vacation destination geared to action adventurers, those guests wishing to practice the fine art of doing nothing at all, and everything in between.
