Learn more about this rare disease, how it affects our families, and how we're helping to find treatment.
Support Programs
Our Support Programs page is designed to help families quickly find trusted opportunities, services, and tools that can make life a little easier for individuals with DLG4 SHINE Syndrome and those who care for them. Here, you’ll discover wish‑granting programs, adaptive equipment resources, and other uplifting services created to bring joy, relief, and connection. Whether you’re looking for practical help or meaningful experiences for your loved one, this page brings everything together in one welcoming place, so you can explore what’s available with confidence and ease.
Dream Factory
The Dream Factory is a volunteer‑run organization that grants dreams to children ages 3–18 who are critically or chronically ill. Unlike many wish‑granting programs, the Dream Factory includes children with chronic conditions — which means all individuals in the SHINE community qualify, as long as they live within 50 miles of a local chapter. Dreams can include trips, special experiences, or personalized moments designed to bring joy, comfort, and connection. Families should begin by finding their nearest Dream Factory chapter, since referrals are accepted only in areas where chapters operate.
Make‑A‑Wish®
Make‑A‑Wish grants life‑changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, offering joyful experiences that bring hope, strength, and emotional support to families. Children living with epilepsy are eligible to be referred, and wishes can range from travel and special experiences to personalized moments that reflect a child’s interests and abilities. Because each region manages its own referral process and eligibility review, families should begin by finding their local U.S. Make‑A‑Wish chapter or by contacting Make-A-Wish® International to start the conversation and explore what’s possible.
Variety – The Children’s Charity
Variety supports children with disabilities and special needs by offering programs that help them gain independence, communicate more easily, and participate more fully in everyday life. Depending on the chapter, support may include mobility and independence equipment, communication and educational tools, community outreach, day programs, and other family‑focused services. Because each chapter offers different resources, families should begin by locating their nearest Variety chapter to learn what programs are available in their area.
If you know of a program, service, or opportunity that could benefit other families in the DLG4 SHINE community, let us know.
Our goal is to keep this page growing with meaningful, trusted resources. Your insight may help another family find support right when they need it. Feel free to send any recommendations to us at info@dlg4shine.org so we can continue building this space together.