Around the hospital, two-year-old Harry is known as “Happy Harry”.
His mum Emma says, “Harry is a very cheeky and determined boy who always has a smile on his face. Not much phases him and he just does what needs to be done.”
Little Harry’s happy demeanour is remarkable given his short life has been one full of hospitals and painful and invasive treatments.
When he was just five weeks old, Harry’s parents noticed his head was increasing in size, and he was having trouble focussing. Their local GP sent them to their nearest hospital for testing, and it was there their lives were tipped upside down in an instant.
Shockingly, a CT scan showed Harry had a large cancerous tumour growing on his brain. Emma and Adam were told their newborn baby would need to be placed on life support, and transferred by helicopter to the nearest children’s hospital for emergency surgery.
Devastated and in disbelief, Emma accompanied Harry in the helicopter, while dad Adam went home to plan care for their other two young sons, Jack and Tom. He took them to stay with their grandparents, before travelling five hours to the city to join Emma and Harry at the hospital.
“We felt completely helpless and alone” recalls Emma, "Adam and I were fearful to leave Harry’s side in Intensive Care, where he remained for weeks.”
As a tiny baby, Harry endured an extremely tough recovery from the surgery to remove his brain cancer.
Initially, Harry had to remain in a horizontal position for an entire month after the operation. Heartbreakingly, his parents could only hold him for ten minutes each day due to the medical equipment required to keep him alive.
As he spent months recovering in hospital, little Harry was dealt another blow and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, caused by his tumour. This additional diagnosis meant Harry would require extensive physio, OT and speech therapy in addition to his cancer treatments as he grew older.
When he was finally able to leave the hospital and reunite with his brothers, Emma and Adam noticed a turning point in Harry's recovery. Jack and Tom proudly took their little brother under their wing and an incredible bond was formed.
The family were able to return home to the NSW South Coast, with Harry and Emma returning to hospital every week for a marathon 72 weeks to undergo his chemotherapy.
During his time in hospital, Captain Starlight helped Harry through the pain of his ordeal.
“Harry has a love of music and a visit from the Starlight Captains always brought much joy, softening the hospital treatments for Harry. Our most recent experience was when Harry came out of recovery after a medical procedure and was inconsolable–it was Captain Starlight who gently and patiently brought him to a state of calm” says Emma.
As he has become older, the Starlight Express Room has emerged as a safe space for Harry, full of fun and laughter, where he can escape the world of needles and treatments for a while.
“No hospital trip is complete without a visit to Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room!” says Adam. “Knowing Harry would have fun, and have happy memories associated with his time in hospital made each visit easier. Not only for Harry but also us as parents.”
When Emma and Adam learned Harry would be granted a special Starlight Wish, they had absolutely no hesitation in knowing exactly what Harry would want.
So, what could a smiley, happy little man who loves music want for his own Starlight Wish? To meet The Wiggles of course!!
“One of Harry’s biggest loves is the Wiggles! Harry starts every single day asking for ‘Wiggle Wiggle’ and The Wiggles has become our family car trip go to music! As parents we know there is nothing more Harry would love than to meet The Wiggles.” says Emma.
In fact, like Captain Starlight, The Wiggles played an important role in Harry’s treatment journey.
“The Wiggles were a big part of Harry’s treatment. By having him listen to their music and watch their videos, we were able to keep Harry calm and distracted enough for doctors to complete some of his CT scans and X-rays without having to give him a General Anaesthetic,” reveals Emma.
Emma and Adam are so thankful Harry and his brothers will all be given the opportunity to meet his Wiggly heroes.
“We are so appreciative that there are people in this world who give so generously to gift these precious children their very own wish. We can’t wait to see Harry’s pure excitement and happiness” they say.
Having spent his entire life undergoing treatment in and out of hospital, little Harry’s wish will be the perfect opportunity for him to finally enjoy being a typical 2-year-old...and have an incredible day of FUN dancing away to his favourite Wiggly performers!
