Raelene recalls the shock when at 20 weeks pregnant, ultrasound scans revealed a serious urinary obstruction known as Posterior Urethral Valves in her unborn baby.

The diagnosis meant Raelene had to travel hours away from home for specialist care when Landon was born. It was a distressing time for Raelene who had to leave her two older boys Clayton and Preston back at home.

Shockingly, when Landon was born doctors told Raelene he was unlikely to live out the next few days, but thankfully Landon defied the odds and has been doing so ever since!

Raelene had to make the difficult choice to relocate her family to be closer to the hospital for Landon, who’s life has been “consumed by hospital”, says Raelene.

Whenever Landon was in hospital his brothers would spend hours in the Starlight Express Room. It helped keep them occupied and distracted them from what was going on.

When Landon had transplant surgery it was an incredibly difficult time for the whole family, and Ralene thanks Starlight for being their family’s shining light during this dark and scary time.

“As a parent, the Starlight Express Room is a vital outlet. It’s where you can take a break and forget about everything that’s happening, even if it’s just for a while,” she says.

After every painful test or procedure, Landon always visits the Starlight Express Room to help him relax and unwind.

Landon’s Starlight Wish on the Gold Coast was also a wonderful opportunity for the family to leave the hospital behind and have some pure theme park fun together!

Now twelve, Landon is so much looking forward to even more fun in the sun with his mum and brothers as they head to Happiness Island!

Raelene continues to be so thankful for the role Starlight has played in the family’s life, ever since Landon was born.