Hospital has always been a part of 15-year-old Sophie’s life.
When she was just three-years-old, Sophie was diagnosed with a metabolic disorder called Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome which causes a severe build-up of toxins in her body. The only treatment is an infusion, which means Sophie is in hospital, every single week.
Her diagnosis turned the family’s life upside down. Medical appointments and weekly hospital stays meant that Mum Mandy had to reduce her working hours.
“It has been difficult for Sophie not doing the things that other kids do.”
The one bright light for Sophie during her long and gruelling treatments, was Starlight. When the family heard about Starlight from a friend, Matthew and Sophie lit up. In the early days, Captain Starlight would come to Sophie’s bedside while she sat for hours in her infusion treatments. When she was well enough, Matthew and Sophie would play together in the Starlight Express Room.
Sophie has grown up in hospital, and Starlight has stayed with her at every step.
Sophie in hospital after eye surgery
Sophie on the ward laughing
Now a teenager, Sophie needs support and positive distraction more than ever.
Now Sophie is a part of Starlight’s Livewire program. Livewire connects teens like Sophie with other young people who understand what they’re going through. The Livewire team visits Sophie during treatments to chat and she also joins the fun and games at Livewire Online.
“Sophie looks forward to her visits from Livewire.”
Sophie and Livewire Facilitators on the ward
Sophie and Livewire Facilitators playing card games on the ward
Then in 2020, Sophie was anxious and vulnerable as Covid spread around Australia. Amid the worry and pain, Sophie lost her beloved family dog. She missed him terribly. Starlight came along to grant Sophie a Starlight Wish and that’s when Maisy the Cavoodle came bounding into Sophie’s life!
“She has brought so much joy to our family and she’s brought us closer together.”
At every turn in Sophie’s lifelong hospital journey, Starlight has been there to bring more of what matters most – fun, joy and happiness.
“Thank you so much. She has brought us a lot of happiness.”
