Logan is affectionately described by his parents as “a cheeky little bugger”. He loves wrestling, not for the fighting, but for the showmanship. Logan likes to make an entrance to a room and, whenever possible, will do so with accompanying music...just like his showboating wrestling heroes. It’s no surprise then that Logan is the master of lighting up a room when he enters!
Having lived his life with a rare genetic disease, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (or TSC for short,) eleven-year-old Logan is an accomplished young man. He is kind and caring and makes friends easily. He loves all things sports - playing with the Brisbane Special Olympics basketball team and eying off a future career in Formula One or Supercars PitCrews.
When Logan’s not playing sports in real life, he’s playing them virtually through his beloved Playstation, with F1, NBA 2k and WWE 2k22 being his fave simulations!
Experiencing seizures from just eight months old, Logan’s rare diagnosis was discovered with the help of neurologists attending a conference in Brisbane, after the family’s local hospital had trouble identifying exactly what it was they were dealing with. Mum Jodie and Dad Leigh were specifically instructed not to Google TSC and directed to the Tuberous Sclerosis Australia website. Left on her own as Leigh returned to work, young mum Jodie was overwhelmed and in disbelief as she was told her son had tumours in his brain, and that they they could form in vital organs all over his body.
Logan’s illness has put the family under a great deal of strain especially after multiple trips a year to and from Cairns to Brisbane which meant less and less time together as a family. Five years after the diagnosis the family chose to relocate away from their loved ones to be closer to the hospital and spend more time together as a family. Jodie is Logan’s full-time carer, together with raising Logan’s younger brothers Jamie, seven, and Jacob, three.
For Logan, managing his condition is not easy. Living with Autism, developmental delays, ADHD and other symptoms brought on by TSC can make him feel judged and misunderstood. He is most embarrassed when others see his seizures and make a fuss. He dislikes having to stay in hospital and has been admitted on many special occasions over the years including his own birthday and Father’s Day.
Fortunately, that’s where Captain Starlight comes in! While he may not love the hospital, Logan sure loves the Starlight Express Room and his parents entice him to return to hospital using the room as a carrot. From “playing DJs” with the Captains, to enjoying video games and other activities with family, Logan finds happy respite in the Starlight Express Room. When he’s not able to join in the fun in the Starlight Express Room, Captain Starlight visits Logan on the ward to deliver some laughter, and share a little showmanship, when it's really needed most.
Recently Logan was absolutely thrilled to have his Starlight Wish granted, with a family trip to the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. Logan’s parents were amazed to watch him take everything in, unable to believe his eyes, as he experienced the cars up close in pit lane. Once the race started the power and roar of the cars driving – and even crashing! - in real life is a memory Logan will never forget.
Thanks to his experiences with Captain Starlight and through receiving his Starlight Wish, Logan is able to stay positive, knowing that happiness and excitement are possible despite his life-long illness.
Logan’s mum Jodie has a special message for Starlight’s supporters;
“Thank you - people don't realise what they're contributing to until they're in that tough spot when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness – the mental burn out in parents cannot be underestimated. As a parent who has lived at the hospital week on week by my son’s side, thanks to Starlight, I can take my foot off the accelerator and know my child is OK and happy....I can be a Mum, not just a "nurse" or "carer". I know my kid's in good hands whenever Captain Starlight is near.”
