When four-year-old Luca was thrown a surprise Taylor Swift party in hospital, her face lit up.
This was more than just a party.
It was a moment of lasting joy for a little girl during months of traumatic treatment in hospital.
Luca’s mum Jodi says her daughter is a ‘vibrant spark of life’ who loves dressing up her dolls and creating magical worlds through storytelling and play.
“She’s wonderfully determined, full of energy and brings smiles and laughter wherever she goes,” she said.
Tragically, Luca’s carefree world of fun and play was shattered when she sustained a serious eye injury, resulting in chemical burns and vision loss.
After being rushed to emergency, she spent weeks in the children’s hospital enduring painful surgeries and treatments to try and save her sight.
Luca was given a general anaesthetic so doctors could urgently flush out her eye and lower the pH levels of the chemicals. Luca then required further surgery to assess the severity of the damage to the eye tissue and underwent an amniotic membrane graft on her eye.
In addition to the painful operations, needles and medication, Luca needed ongoing tests to monitor her vision.
Suddenly being in hospital, every aspect of family life was impacted. For Luca, the hardest parts emotionally and physically were the trauma from the treatment and the pain she endured in hospital.
“Luca has a constant undercurrent of anxiety knowing every next step might bring more pain or fear. It’s as though her ability to live freely like a child should has been taken away, and that’s been incredibly hard for her to cope with,” her mum said.
As part of her ongoing treatment, Luca also needs eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and aid in the recovery process. This daily routine is distressing and painful.
“The eye drops give Luca nightmares and leave her feeling overwhelmed, as each time she has to go through it, she’s reminded of the discomfort and fear. It’s heartbreaking to see how something so simple has turned into a source of dread for her,” Jodi said.
Amid so much fear and sadness, Starlight has provided vital moments of happiness.
Jodi describes Starlight in hospital as a ‘game-changer’.
“Being in hospital was so isolating and scary for Luca, but Starlight helped bring a little light into that darkness. It was like a burst of pure joy in the middle of all the fear and uncertainty.”
When she was feeling well enough Luca loved going to the Starlight Express Room to dance and sing along to her favourite songs with Captain Starlight – she was able to be a kid again.
She also loved playing Bingo, doing arts and crafts, and of course, the surprise Taylor Swift dance party the Captains threw her!
“Starlight gave Luca something to smile about at a time when happiness seemed so far away. Those moments helped keep her spirits high and reminded her that, even in the hospital, there could still be fun. It made all the difference in helping her stay strong through such a tough journey,” Jodi said.
Day to day life remains challenging. Luca has to be extremely careful to avoid exposure to sunlight - she can no longer simply go outside to play like she used to.
The family has had to adapt their routines with social activities planned for early morning or late evening and minimising any time spent outside during sunlight hours.
As part of Luca’s ongoing treatment, she has regular appointments with burns and ophthalmology teams at the hospital. The injury has left long-lasting skin damage around her eyes and her mum says the scars are a constant reminder of the struggles her daughter faces.
Pleasingly, Luca is slowly regaining her sight. “It’s a long road ahead, but each time she can see a little more clearly, it’s a victory we cherish, and it brings us hope,” Jodi said.
While hospital remains part of Luca’s life, it’s vital that she can experience the joy and happiness she needs. With Captain Starlight there, Luca’s creativity and imagination can continue to shine.
“Laughing and playing during hospital and treatment has a profound impact on a child’s happiness and resilience. When kids are able to laugh and play, it reduces stress and gives them a sense of control which is so important when everything feels unpredictable and scary.”
Jodi is so thankful to Starlight supporters and said, “Starlight gave us moments of escape and something to smile about even when things felt so heavy. We’re so grateful —it’s truly been a bright spot during an incredibly difficult time.”
