Grace's story

Grace was born with a hole in her heart

Lucy had a healthy pregnancy. But at just two weeks old, her daughter Grace was airlifted from Darwin to Melbourne's Royal Children’s Hospital for life-saving heart surgery. Lucy recalls the shock and fear like it was yesterday. Experiencing the cold Melbourne winter felt like a world away from her home in Milingimbi community in North East Arnhem Land.

"It was so scary to be on a plane to a big city. Grace's breathing wasn't good and I was worried."

After her surgery, Grace returned to the NT for treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Sadly, her health worsened, and she developed a persistent cough and lung issues.

Captain Starlight brings happiness to Grace in hospital and on clinic visits

Lucy remembers the difference Captain Starlight made when Grace was on the hospital wards, singing songs and bringing her balloons.

While Grace now 4 still needs regular heart and lung check-ups, the Starlight Express Room in Royal Darwin Hospital helps the family stay connected.

Whenever Grace is in hospital, she will always go to the Starlight Express Room to have fun with Captain Starlight. Her mum, aunties, uncles and cousins visit too and they love that there's something to keep everybody entertained together while they are far away from home and their community.

Captain Starlight continues to visit remote communities like Grace’s to ensure remote healthcare is more positive so kids like Grace get the checks they desperately need.

"If Starlight wasn't there Grace would cry and not have her needles and checks ups. She wouldn't go to the clinics. Starlight makes her happy and, if Grace is happy, I'm happy."

Lucy, Grace's Mum.

Grace was all smiles when she had her Starlight Wish granted

Grace was all smiles when she had her Starlight Wish granted to visit Sydney with her family. Her favourite part was swimming and having fun at Wet 'n' Wild. She also loved all the animals at Taronga Zoo, especially meeting Marley the seal and watching her do tricks - it was her first time seeing a seal and the family's first time in Sydney.