Why does Starlight exist? Because happiness matters.
Our latest TV campaign highlights the essential role Starlight’s programs play in helping seriously ill children take a break from the pain, stress, and fear of hospital.
The commercial is based on the story of six-year-old Henry who was diagnosed with Stage 5 Nephroblastoma (kidney cancer) at just five years old.
Henry would go on to endure 46 weeks of chemotherapy, three weeks of radiation, and a nine-hour operation to save his life.
Amid so much heartache, Starlight was there with the fun and laughter Henry and his family needed to cope with life in hospital.
"Starlight brings happiness and sparkle to an otherwise scary experience. They provide fun and distraction for kids which helps pave the way for better coping with treatment," says mum Jade.
The commercial takes us through Henry’s journey from being rushed to hospital in pain, to his diagnosis and lengthy treatment. It concludes by highlighting the happiness Starlight brings to sick kids and their families, with a look inside the fun and laughter of the Starlight Express Room.
Filmed at the Monash Children’s Hospital, the commercial stars some of our “real life” Starlight families. Henry and his family were featured in the Starlight Express Room scenes, as was eleven-year-old Tommy. Hayden and his family also appeared in the campaign.
The ad highlights just how essential Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms are in delivering the positive distraction sick kids and their families so desperately need.
Because happiness matters.
