Thank you for helping Samara shine!
Instead of starting high school, Samara was in hospital fighting for her life after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Samara was on life support for two weeks and in intensive care for a month.
"We were told on three different occasions that Samara might not come home with us, but she fought against the odds," her mum Anita said.
During this agonising time, your support meant Starlight was there with the happiness the family needed.
Samara loved the fun of the Starlight Express Room and the daily quiz on Starlight TV which helped to distract her from the pain and stress of hospital.
After so much heartache, Samara received an incredible gift of happiness with her Starlight Wish – a French bulldog puppy called Coco Chanel!
While Samara faces ongoing tests and check-ups, thanks to your support, she has Coco with her every step of the way.
Her mum said, "I had no idea what a difference Starlight makes to families going through the toughest times. We just can't thank you enough."
Samara waking up from ICU
Samara during treatment
Samara with her new puppy, Coco Chanel
Madilyn's superhero wish
After enduring gruelling treatment in hospital for leukaemia, Madilyn's Starlight Wish was to meet her favourite superhero Wonder Woman.
While her visit to Movie World on the Gold Coast was temporarily on hold due to travel restrictions, your support gave her a special 'superhero' Wish Sparkle to keep her positive while she waited.
With travel restrictions eased, Madilyn's Starlight Wish has come true and she met her superhero idol!
After so much sadness, Madilyn and her family enjoyed an unforgettable holiday together with memories to treasure forever.
"Thank you for making this dream come true for my daughter. The look on Madilyn's face when Wonder Woman walked through the door was priceless. Her wish is something she will remember forever," Madilyn's mum Alison said.
Madilyn and her family meeting Wonder Woman
Jackson's unforgettable drive
For many, learning to drive is a rite of passage. But for some young people with a serious illness, like 19-year-old Jackson, this is something they never get to experience - until Livewire steps in.
Livewire is Starlight's program for young people living with disability, serious or chronic illness. In hospital, Livewire runs fun workshops and activities to engage and connect young people.
Thanks to your support, Livewire arranged for Jackson to get behind the wheel of a simulated driving experience! He got the hang of driving in no time at all and was so proud, he couldn’t wait to show the photos to his mum!
Jackson during his simulated driving experience