Eight-year-old Ella is a thoughtful and compassionate little girl who loves to help and care for those around her.
Her great sense of optimism means she’s happy to give anything in life a go. From swimming, AFL and gymnastics, to crafting and baking up a storm in the kitchen, Ella has an infectious can-do attitude.
When Ella was just two years old, she was rushed to the hospital after suffering a seizure. For the following six months, she continued to experience ongoing health issues. Over that time Ella barely put on any weight as she grew, she developed a tremor in her hand, and her eyes started to protrude from her head.
At two-and-a-half, Ella was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, an immune disorder caused by an overactive thyroid.
“As soon as she was diagnosed, we were relieved to finally have an answer about what was going on with her,” recalls mum Cosette “but we were also saddened about the road ahead for her, and overwhelmed by what life would look like.”
In the first year of her diagnosis. Ella was hospitalised three times. During this time, Ella’s sister Amelie was just a baby which causing an already stressful time to turn into a juggling act, ensuring both girls were well cared for.
Soon after her third hospital stay Ella was treated Ella was treated with a potent radioactive medicine.
“Ella’s radiation levels were too high to be safe for Amelie to be around, so we had to move out of home for a week while Adrian stayed home to look after Ella.” says Cosette.
Almost two years to the day after the radioactive medication and not long after Ella’s second sister Edie was born, Ella required an operation which led to a stay in the intensive care unit of the hospital.
With the family needing to stay close to home for Ella’s refrigerated medicine, managing her condition has been a stressful process for Cosette and dad Adrian.
Thankfully, Captain Starlight has been on hand to help brighten Ella’s experience, and bring much-needed positivity and fun to the family.
“When we discovered the Starlight Express Room it was such a blessing” says Cosette. “Ella got to play games, and had her face and nails painted. It was such a wonderful escape from the blood tests, medication and same four walls of her hospital room!”
During her second stay in hospital, Ella also got to choose a song to be played on Starlight TV after some of the Captains came to visit. Cosette says this was a huge source of pride for Ella and she was so excited when she heard the song she had specially requested!
As Ella has grown older, she has started to become wary of the ongoing testing she needs.
Ella’s eye checkups involve painful eyedrops which cause her anxiety before each appointment, and she’s apprehensive about her regular blood tests.
“In general Ella is very resilient,” says Cosette, “however just recently she's begun questioning why she has to go through all this.”
Although hospital visits are daunting for Ella, a catch up with Captain Starlight never fails to brighten the day!
“Even while waiting for appointments Ella and her sisters love watching Captain Starlight’s antics and listening to their songs. It helps to break up long waiting periods, and brings joy to an otherwise tedious and daunting task,” says Adrian.
For Adrian and Cosette, having Captain Starlight around to brighten Ella’s ongoing medical journey has been invaluable.
“Starlight brings happiness not only to sick children, but to their families who are along for the ride. It builds resilience by allowing children to feel optimism during even the most difficult of times.”
