When Izzy discovered there was dancing in hospital, her smile lit up the room.
It was a moment of lasting joy during the darkest times imaginable for her family.
Izzy was just four when she was diagnosed with High-Risk Neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer.
In an instant, Izzy’s world went from fun-filled days happily playing with her barbie dolls to the pain and isolation of cancer treatment.
“It didn’t feel real. Every part of our lives changed,” mum Kim said.
Izzy spent months in hospital having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplants and major surgery to remove a tumour. She missed being at home and playing with her baby sister Maisie.
The challenges of hospital and treatment took its toll. The family had to relocate to be nearer to the hospital and both Kim and dad Joseph had to stop working to be there with Izzy.
For Izzy, the hardest part was the pain and isolation.
“It was hard for Izzy to understand why she had to be in hospital. She was in so much pain from the treatment and spent long periods of time stuck in a hospital bed,” Kim said.
Amid so much sadness, Captain Starlight arrived with moments of fun and laughter helping to bring back Izzy’s smile.
“We first met the Captain Starlights when they came to the ward. They always knew how to cheer Izzy up even on her bad days,” her mum said.
The Captains’ ward visits became the highlight of every day and gave Izzy something positive to look forward to. They made fun Halloween costumes for her and helped Izzy celebrate her birthday in hospital with special surprises, gifts and songs.
And Izzy’s favourite thing about hospital was the dance parties with the Captain Starlights!
When she was well enough, Izzy also loved going to the Starlight Express Room to have a break from the ward, to play and do drawings.
“Without Starlight, there definitely would have been less laughter and smiles. We’ve got so many good memories with the Captains – too many to count,” Kim said.
Thankfully, Izzy has now completed her treatment and “rang the bell” in hospital.
“It was such a special moment,” Kim said. “We couldn’t be prouder of her for reaching this milestone.”
While the family live with the ongoing fear of a relapse, every hospital visit will be brighter for Izzy with moments of fun and joy with Captain Starlight.
“Fun and happiness have a very big impact on kids stuck in their room all day. The attention and positive energy the Captains bring makes all the difference - it was something Izzy always looked forward to and made her hardest days easier.”
