Bonnie's story

"As a parent, you're supposed to be able to fix things for your kids. But suddenly I couldn't. This was cancer."

When seven-year-old Bonnie was diagnosed with the childhood brain cancer Medulloblastoma, her mum Katrina said the pain and fear was overwhelming.

"It's heartbreaking seeing your child going through something so scary. But you have to try and push those feeling aside so you can stay strong for them," she said.

Bonnie had been unwell and vomiting for about six weeks. When gastro bugs and stomach issues were ruled out, Katrina and dad Matty, feared the worst.

Tragically, a CT scan revealed their bright and adventurous little girl had a brain tumour. Bonnie was immediately admitted to hospital for urgent surgery.

After her operation, she needed intensive radiation and chemo treatment.

"The hospital procedures were terrifying for Bonnie. She endured radiation therapy five days a week for six weeks. All she wanted to do was go home," Katrina said.

While Bonnie's world was filled with so much sadness, Captain Starlight was there in Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital helping to bring back her smile.

"After her oncology check-ups each week, we would go to the Starlight Express Room at the end of every day. It was a really positive place; Bonnie was at her best when she was there," her mum said.

Katrina says having a place to take a break helped Bonnie cope with the fear of all the things she couldn't understand. In the Starlight Express Room she could have fun and be her old self again. She especially loved the daily quiz!

"Bonnie usually takes a while to get comfortable in new situations, but she felt really safe in the Starlight Express Room. You could see the transformation the moment she walked in."

After the gruelling rounds of radiation, Bonnie was then started on chemotherapy. Her mum said the emotional impact took its toll. She was scared about the daily check-ups, tests, IV lines and needles. And she was scared about losing her hair at the start of radiation.

"We told Bonnie that her hair doesn't define her, and so Matty and I shaved our heads too. We kept reminding her of all her amazing qualities," Katrina said.

With hospital restrictions in place during her chemo treatment, Starlight was more important than ever. Bonnie loved watching Starlight TV and calling in to chat to the Captains from her hospital bed.

"We weren't allowed visitors, so without Starlight, it would have been lonely and isolating. Bonnie would have focused on all the medical stuff which would have impacted her emotionally. Kids are supposed to play and have fun, and when that's taken away, it's devastating - at a time like that, they need it even more," mum said.

Thankfully, Bonnie has finished her treatment but has regular hospital check-ups. She is back at school, regaining her strength and doing all the things she loves.

She has also just received the exciting news that she has been granted a Starlight Wish.

Bonnie loves animals so her wish is to swim with dolphins on a family holiday to Port Stephens! She wanted her wish to be a magical new experience, she'll treasure forever.

"Bonnie's wish is a recognition of everything she's been through. She's become braver and stronger and we can't wait to be together and share this special time with her."

Katrina says having happy memories to look back on is so important to help them move forward.

"When you're in a bad situation, it's inspiring to know there are people who want to make it better. Everything Starlight does is about helping bring happiness to people when they need it most."