Annie's story

As a teen Annie Guo spent a significant amount of time at Sydney's Westmead Children's Hospital.

She found the hospital environment sterile, boring, and depressing. Until, that is, another teen suggested she join them for a visit to the Starlight Express Room.

There, Annie found herself immersed in a world of colour and fun!

In place of the daunting medical environment of the wards, Captain Starlight offered Annie the positive disruption she so badly needed to cope with her treatment.

It was in the Starlight Express Room, and with the encouragement of Captain Starlight, that Annie re-discovered her passion for creativity. She spent hours drawing and crafting, allowing her imagination to run free of the confines of the hospital walls.

Years after she left the hospital, a little bit of Captain Starlight stayed with Annie as she pursued her career in art.

Annie is now an accomplished Illustrator, having graduated her degree with distinction, and exhibited her work in Meroogal House in Nowra, part of Sydney Living Museums.

Recently, Annie reached out to Starlight as a skilled volunteer. With her fond memories of the way Captain Starlight helped turn her negative experience into a positive one, she was keen to see if there was a way she could give back.

Of course the Starlight team jumped at the offer, and a wonderful collaboration was formed.

Working through the Captains Innovation Fund, which supports projects suggested by Captain Starlights to further brighten the lives of sick kids, Annie designed the amazing artwork for Captain Starlight's Mission Log.

The Mission Log is an activity book filled with puzzles and games designed to keep kids in hospital entertained after Captain Starlight has flown back to Planet Starlight for the day. Annie's artwork has been the perfect accompaniment to the Captains' crazy challenges, and we are so thrilled with the result.

Thank you so much Annie!