Toy dinosaurs, hot wheels and monster trucks are never far from Teddy’s reach and his cheeky smile lights up the room.
Not long after celebrating his second birthday, Teddy became unwell with some bruises and a fever. His mum Anna said he didn't seem too unwell but booked a GP appointment just to be on the safe side.
Within a matter of hours, they were rushed to emergency at the children's hospital where their world unravelled.
Teddy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
“It all happened so fast. We were singing him happy birthday just two weeks earlier - having cake and being happy - none the wiser what was happening inside his little body,” Anna said.
Teddy’s leukaemia was high risk, and his treatment began straight away.
He endured 15 months of intense chemotherapy and rounds of immunotherapy. He had a port implant, a PICC line and a Central Line all inserted in surgery plus countless bone marrow aspirates and lumbar punctures under general anaesthetic as well as numerous CT scans.
Anna stopped work and became Ted’s full-time carer in hospital. Big sister Adelaide was about to start school and missed mum terribly. Dad Simon juggled the demands of work and hospital and caring for Adelaide.
“Everything was turned on its head,” Anna said. “All Teddy wanted was to be with me. He was so little, he didn't understand what was happening to him and why he was suddenly in hospital.”
Teddy needed to be in isolation for a large part of his treatment so that meant not seeing any friends. They also had to limit Adelaide's time at play centres or pools to minimise the risk of spreading germs.
It was during the early days when Teddy was in his hospital room that the family discovered Starlight.
Captain Starlight visited the ward and brought music and games to help bring Ted’s smile back. He was so happy when he saw himself on Starlight TV.
Anna said, “The Captain Starlights are so wonderful - I've never not seen a kid smiling from ear to ear when in the presence of a Captain.”
Physically, Teddy’s treatment took its toll. He stopped walking on several occasions for months at a time. He was too big for a baby carrier and too small for a wheelchair, so mum had to carry him around.
Over the months, as Teddy got a little older and stronger, he was gradually able to go to the Starlight Express Room to play.
He loved the ‘old school’ gaming machines and Mario Kart too. If there was ever music playing, he would be the first up on the stage to dance. When his nasal tube was removed, he loved to have his face painted.
“Hospital would have been very difficult without that fun and distraction. Teddy’s face lights up when I tell him we’re going to the Starlight Express Room! It brings him so much joy. The hospital admissions would be very boring for both of us without it,” Anna said.
Teddy is now on maintenance treatment and has worked hard to relearn how to walk. He has achieved some amazing milestones amid so much pain and sadness.
“We are so proud of him learning to take his medications orally instead of via his tube. After 18 months we were able to see his beautiful face again, unimpeded by the tube,” Anna said.
The family is so thankful for the difference Starlight makes to kids and families in hospital.
“Having fun and playing keeps kids going, and us parents too. Knowing that hospital is not all doom and gloom, tears and pain - knowing that the Captain Starlights can come to their bedside to cheer them up and bring smiles to their faces, is priceless.”
