PRESS INFORMATION

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gerald Kostecka
714-730-5386

TRADEGY TURNS TO TRIUMPH AS YOUNG CANCER SURVIVOR, DAKOTA ORTIZ, BECOMES MAIN CHARACTER IN NEW DREAM DRAGON E-PICTURE BOOK, AN ADVENTURE IN DREAMLAND

September 8, 2000

Tustin, CA — Gerald Kostecka, aka Nyle Steck, creator of the Dream Dragon children’s character and founder of Dragon Tales Publishing, announced today that four-year-old cancer survivor, Dakota Ortiz, has been chosen to have his likeness used as the main character in the upcoming Dream Dragon E-Picture Book, An Adventure In Dreamland.

The new Dream Dragon E-Book will feature Dakota as an illustrated character that goes with the Dream Dragon on an adventure to the City of Wonder & Joy. An Adventure In Dreamland is set to debut in October 2000.

Dakota, of Royal Oak, Mich., was only 14 months old when his family learned he had a rare form of kidney cancer. For the next six months, they could only pray as he underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in hopes of killing any stray cancer cells. During his treatment in Southern California, where his family formerly lived, Dakota hooked up with Kids Cancer Connection, a non-profit organization that aids families of children with cancer. It was through KCC that the Dream Dragon Project discovered Dakota.

While still under close medical watch, the only physical evidence of Dakota’s ordeal is the scar that lies beneath his shirt. He says that is where the doctor cut to "make me alive again.’’

That’s not all.

This 4-year-old with a smile and a personality to match, was recently selected as the poster child for the Rays of Hope Candlelight Vigil, sponsored by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Dakota will join thousands for the Oct. 6 event in Washington D.C. He is also expected to meet President Clinton during his trip.

Learn more about this brave young boy and his new fame at http://www.dragontalespublishing.com/Dakota/htm.

Dragon Tales Publishing is the exclusive publisher of the Dream Dragon stories, featuring the Dream Dragon, a character that promotes the "3-E’s" -- Education, Entertainment and Empowerment. Recently, the company joined forces with the National Law Enforcement & Security Institute (NLSI) to promote new children’s safety programs. Among them: Dream Dragon Safety Squad, a safety club for children, and the Dream Dragon National Children’s Information Registry (NCIR), a fee-based service allowing parents to have vital information about their children stored and available in case their child ever becomes missing or lost.

Veteran actor Geoffrey Holder is the voice of the Dream Dragon. He can be heard on an audiocassette that accompanies a limited edition version of Dream Time Friend, the first published Dream Dragon picture book. The Dream Dragon web site, www.dragon4kids.com, offers resources and fun for both children and parents, including a FREE, printable coloring book version of the book, Dream Time Friend.

Additional pictures of Dakota will be e-mailed upon request. For more information, please contact Gerald Kostecka at 714-730-5386