When her daughter Amelia was rushed in an ambulance to Sydney Children's Hospital, mum Renee was filled with fear.
Tragically, tests confirmed five-year-old Amelia had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
"Having a child diagnosed with cancer is terrifying. We felt devastated and so helpless," Renee said.
Suddenly Renee and dad Bobby were thrown into the unfamiliar world of hospital and cancer treatment.
"Bobby and I were both by Amelia's side for the first 72 hours after her diagnosis, but after that, we were restricted to one carer at a time. These restrictions, although necessary, added to the stress and anguish of an already difficult situation."
With two other children to care for- Louis age seven and Dekan 18 - the strain on the family was immense. Renee took leave from her job as a primary school teacher to concentrate on Amelia's treatment while Bobby juggled full-time work with looking after the boys. Friends and family stepped in to help in any way they could.
Suddenly, every aspect of life was impacted. Fun days out at the beach and bike trips to the park were replaced with weeks on end isolated in hospital. Amelia missed her brothers terribly and was sad not being able to see her friends at day care.
"Amelia is such a caring, compassionate child and loves making people laugh. It was heartbreaking for her to be separated from her family and friends." Renee said.
Hospital was a scary, lonely place for Amelia - until Captain Starlight appeared on her ward.
"Amelia was frightened and feeling really unwell. To see the happiness that shone from her when the Captains visited her in hospital was amazing," Renee said.
From that moment on, Amelia looked forward every visit the Captains made to the hospital wards.
Their games and laughter gave Amelia something happy to focus on. She especially loved the daily quiz - calling in from her hospital bed when she was too unwell to go to the Starlight Express Room.
"As parents, we were trying to stay positive and keep Amelia's spirits high. The Captain Starlights provided vital respite from some very traumatic days," Renee said.
Spending so much time in hospital took its toll on Amelia. "Missing out on dancing, gymnastics and playing with her friends really affected her wellbeing," her mum said. "It's been difficult for her to accept the impact her treatment has had on her life."
Amelia bravely coped with losing her hair but she missed starting school and making new friends in kindergarten.
"Amelia is really social and makes friends easily. She missed crucial opportunities to make new connections and strengthen existing ones before starting school," her mum said.
Thankfully the Starlight Express Room gave Amelia the chance to play and just be a kid - a place where she felt a sense of belonging while in hospital.
Captain Starlight helped Amelia feel less fearful of her gruelling treatment and motivated her to keep coming back to hospital. Renee said she can't imagine how Amelia would have got through her chemotherapy without that fun and imaginative play.
"If it wasn't for Captain Starlight, I think I'd still be sitting in the hospital carpark trying to get Amelia out of the car."
The family is so thankful to Starlight supporters and Renee said, "The difference Starlight makes to sick kids is life-changing. While we all understand the link between laughter, endorphins and wellbeing - to see it happen before your eyes is incredible. Even on the worst days, Captain Starlight made Amelia smile and the relief from any pain or sadness was instant. For a moment, we could forget why we were there and just live in the moment."
