Born at only 24 weeks, Marley was diagnosed with chronic lung disease and multiple health complications due to his extreme prematurity.
A happy, engaging and determined little boy, Marley doesn't let his conditions hold him back though from enjoying life as a five-year old and his love for rock collecting, George Pig and playing with his brother Judson.
For the family, life now revolves around Marley's needs as he requires a feeding tube, home oxygen and various other supports. His condition has resulted in regular and lengthy admissions to hospital, sometimes months on end, meaning Marley has missed out on many special occasions including going to kindergarten, birthdays and Christmas.
With such disruption to family life, mum Kellie has been unable to return to work and is Marley's full-time carer. Family adventures, like going on holidays together, have also been impossible due to his multiple needs, such as travelling safely with oxygen and other supplies.
When Marley is in hospital, the separation from his family and friends is what upsets him the most. Fortunately, regular visits from Captain Starlight have had a positive impact on Marley and his family's experience in hospital.
"The visits and gifts from Captain Starlight bring plenty of excitement to Marley's day. Having someone other than Mum or Dad in the room helps lift his spirits, as he loves it when people play and interact with him," Kellie said.
For Marley, Starlight puts a smile on his face and provides a much-needed break from the ongoing treatments and check-ups.
When Marley found out his Starlight Wish had been granted, he asked for his very own cubby house where he could host friends, family and carers in his own backyard.
"With Marley requiring oxygen, it makes it really hard to get to parks. A cubby house will give him a little place of his own to take ownership of and experience playing outside safely just like his peers," said Kellie.
While Marley was out at doctors' appointments, Starlight worked on a sneaky install to surprise him.
Marley arrived home to a celebrity welcome on Channel 7's Sunrise breakfast show, as he walked the red carpet with his family and Captain Starlight cheering him on, complete with balloons and confetti.
Marley was so excited as he opened the door to his brand-new cubby, complete with a well-stocked kitchen, seating area, barista machine and Avengers pillows!
When asked what his Starlight Wish means to her son, Kellie said the following:
"We don’t know what the future holds for Marley, so we need to make the most of every opportunity and enjoy these special times.
Starlight's Wish program really makes a difference to the lives of sick kids like Marley who haven’t had the greatest start in life and perhaps don’t get to enjoy the same freedoms we experienced with our own upbringing."
To Starlight supporters and donors, Kellie and dad Steve say, "Your contribution is not just about putting a smile on a child's face, but also the warm fuzzy feeling their parents and guardians get when they see their child happy."
