See the power of your support

Thanks for giving Lucy BIG splashes of happiness

“One minute Lucy was happily playing with her brother and sister and the next she’s fighting for her life,” Lucy’s mum Sarah. 

After 3-year-old Lucy was diagnosed with childhood bone cancer, she endured 22 gruelling cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. She spent much of her treatment in isolation and missed her sister Grace and brother Billy. 

But thanks to your kindness, Captain Starlight brought Lucy vital moments of happiness helping ease her fear and loneliness. 

“The Captain Starlights always made her laugh,” Sarah said. 

After so much pain and sadness, your support brought Lucy the exciting news that she’d been granted her Starlight Wish.  

Lucy wished for a family holiday near the beach, with a pool to splash in – and most importantly, she wanted to go on a plane!  

Sarah is thankful to you and said,

“Lucy was robbed of two years of her childhood. But Starlight provided many bright moments during those dark days. The joy and laughter in hospital is so important for kids’ mental health and wellbeing.” 

You created Rocket Rounds of fun for Ivy 

Thanks to your support, Captain Starlight goes on Rocket Rounds throughout the hospital bringing fun and laughter to kids unable to leave their beds. When Captain Starlight met young Ivy the two communicated using sign language and sang ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little, Star’ together.  

Later, when Ivy and her family visited the Starlight Express Room, Ivy was thrilled to be made an honorary Captain Starlight complete with her very own special cape and hat.  

Your support turned hospital into a place of fun and happiness.

“Ivy didn’t want to come to the hospital, but now she’s having the best time, and we don’t know how we’ll get her out of here!” Ivy’s mum said.

Follow Mackie’s inspirational steps

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age two, doctors said Mackie would never walk.   

Despite countless surgeries, procedures and being in a wheelchair, Mackie defied expectations.   

Last year, she put herself to the test again by participating in Starlight's Super Steps challenge with a goal to walk 15,000 steps in May.   

Again, Mackie conquered her goal!   

And she’s ready to step up to the challenge again this year.  

“As a former Starlight child, I know firsthand the importance of your support. Participating in this challenge allows me to take a significant step towards my own dream, while helping others facing their own battles,” Mackie said.    

Happiness reaches new heights thanks to you!

Thanks to our amazing supporters and Wishgranting Partner Virgin Australia, Starlight children and their families enjoyed a unique once-in-a lifetime ‘flying’ experience.

With a passion for all things aviation, the Starlight kids donned their very own pilot and cabin crew uniforms, got to try out the flight simulators and learnt all the inside tips and tricks from the cabin crew.

They then had a very special behind the scenes tour at Brisbane Airport to see how it all works in action.

This unforgettable flying experience that brought miles of smiles was only made possible thanks to the incredible commitment of our supporters and partners.