When Ben’s mum Emma took him for a routine eye test, she never expected what was to come next. Identifying a potential issue, the optometrist sent them straight to the emergency room and it was there that a five centimetre brain tumour was detected.
Ben was scheduled for brain surgery the following morning and the tumour was removed for testing. Pathology showed the tumour was a Medulloblastoma, thankfully a treatable form of brain cancer.
Still, at just nine years old, Ben endured 30 rounds of radiation therapy to his brain and spine, four months of intensive chemotherapy and four stem cell transplants to remove any trace of cancer from his body.
“The resilience Ben showed throughout treatment was an inspiration,” says Emma “but the treatment itself was brutal and Ben was very unwell, especially during chemotherapy”.
Throughout his ordeal, Captain Starlight was there to bring some much-needed fun and happiness into Ben’s life. When he was able, Ben would spend every single day in the Starlight Express Room, laughing and playing with the Captains.
When restrictions caused the Starlight Express Room to close, or at times when he was not well enough to visit, Ben loved to receive visits from Captain Starlight on the ward, and to join in on the activities via Starlight TV.
One of Ben’s most exciting experiences was winning Bingo on Starlight TV!
“The Starlight Room and the Captains are truly amazing and cheered everyone up tremendously! During restrictions when visitors and many other services ceased, the visits from the Captains were always fantastic.” — Emma.
As a naturally inquisitive boy who loves new and different experiences, when Ben learned he would be granted a Starlight Wish, he knew just what to wish for!
Enter… his submarine wish!!!
For this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Ben spent a day with the Royal Australian Navy, jumping aboard HMAS Farncomb to see how a submariner lives and works below the sea.
Having been presented with his very own Navy Captain’s uniform, Ben spent some time checking out the Maritime Museum, and then joined his new mate Lieutenant Commander Jack Abbot for a VIP tour of the submarine.
Ben was able to see the (less than spacious) sleeping quarters, learn how the submarine travels without sound when needed, operate the periscope, and even fire a water shot from the torpedo room!
Mum Emma was blown away by Ben’s incredible day;
“The crew were amazing. They showed us a really great day and went above and beyond for Ben. The whole experience far surpassed all our expectations.” she says. Receiving a Starlight Wish has brought a lot of joy and has been a great acknowledgement of his bravery throughout his treatment”.
To Starlight’s supporters, Emma would like to extend the following message:
“A heartfelt thanks goes to all the supporters of Starlight who help create these opportunities for sick kids. It really does make a big difference.”