Ruby was born four and a half months premature, weighing just 600 grams. Her skin was paper thin, her fingers and toes were still webbed and her eyes were sealed shut. Her mother Margaret was sure she was going to lose her tiny infant daughter.
Incredibly strong little Ruby beat all odds and survived but her early birth left her with cerebral palsy and severely impaired vision. She relies on a leg brace and white cane for mobility and she has several learning difficulties. She can’t do the simple things most ten year-olds can do like doing up her shoe laces and buttons.
Many families live with the immense pressure and constant worry that Ruby’s family feel every single day of the year. With your generous support, Starlight can help.
Services such as Starlight Escapes, give families the chance to do something fun, away from their day-to-day problems, to build happy memories together. Ordinary activities like going to the movies can bring a touch of magic to a family whose spirit has been crushed by a child’s illness.
‘It’s just wonderful to be able to go and enjoy a day together as a family away from the worry and stress. It gives us a chance to relax and have a bit of a laugh. And it’s a chance to see my girls happy and to gain a little perspective.’
The impact of chronic illness is also felt by the brothers and sisters of seriously ill children who suffer tremendous pressure under these circumstances.
Ruby’s sister Lucy was just eight years old when Ruby was born. Like so many children whose siblings are ill, Lucy sadly spent months on end at a hospital while Margaret anxiously focused on Ruby’s survival.
‘Lucy was so young when Ruby was born and she went through the entire trauma with us. For a child, that’s pretty horrendous. She’d always had our full attention and then all of a sudden that changed, our focus had to be entirely on Ruby and I think she missed out on a lot because of that.’
Lucy is now 18 and says that the greatest gift Ruby has given her is the inspiration to study medicine.
‘Watching her as a tiny, premature infant grow into the amazing person she is gives me the drive to study medicine and one day help other babies who are born prematurely. Starlight children live in waiting rooms. Starlight Escapes allow families and seriously ill children to escape - even if only for a day. They can 
leave the machines, the wheelchairs, and the medical equipment at home and just letting loose to be a family. They can laugh, play and enjoy each other without the anxiety that goes with living in this environment daily. Starlight really does make the dreams of sick kids and their families come true!’
With your generosity and compassion, Starlight can provide Escapes and other vital services so families like Ruby, Margaret and Lucy’s can share some special moments of fun, laughter and happiness.
