You helped create a lasting moment of joy for Tanesha and her family
Throughout her life, Tanesha’s Nan has been by her side through every health challenge, and her Pop has been her steady support since she was eight.
Now in palliative care, 18-year-old Tanesha’s deepest worry wasn’t about herself but about these two most treasured people in her life.
All she wanted was to see her Nan and Pop finally marry; to know that her Nan would be looked after.
Thanks to your kindness, this dream moment came true with a beautiful wedding ceremony with Tanesha as the Maid of Honour.
Your support helped our Starlight Moments team to create this lasting special moment complete with celebrant, photographer, flowers, cake and decorations that transformed the hospital garden into a place of joy.
From her hospital bed, Tanesha’s smile lit up the garden. She said,
“I’ve been awake since 4am. I didn’t want to fall back asleep in case I never woke up and missed it.”
Superhero talents on display thanks to you!
Thanks to your support, sick kids in hospital get the chance to draw and create amazing artworks to share with Captain Starlight and showcase on Planet Starlight. This sparks creativity and gives kids so much pride and joy seeing their very own artworks on display. (just like on the fridge door at home!)
One creative 10-year-old embraced the recent challenge to “Draw yourself as a Captain Starlight,” creating her superhero self-portrait with the caption: “I am Captain Synrix! I am 10 years old and am a Captain for beating cancer.”
Thank you for helping sick kids imagine, create and celebrate their amazing achievements.
Thank you for helping young people find connections that matter
Thanks to your support, Livewire creates vital connections for young people with serious illness or disability. With the recent Social Media Ban creating some uncertainty and anxiety, many teens already isolated by hospital suddenly found themselves cut off from friends when needed it most.
One mum whose teenage daughter is in hospital, said the ban left her isolated at “the worst possible time.” Hearing about Livewire filled her with relief, knowing her daughter could connect with peers who understand hospital life, helping her feel less alone.
Another parent was grateful for a safe, fully moderated space for her 13yearold son.
Because of your support, Livewire helps young people connect with others in a supportive, safe and inclusive environment.
Transforming hospital for kids like Harrison
Harrison’s mum’s story shows the power of your kind support helping to transform hospital for sick kids.
“Today I had to bring my son into hospital, and the promise of seeing Captain Starlight was what got us through it. My 7-year-old has been really up against a lot lately in a journey navigating through neurodivergence and has been really struggling. So to see him interacting with Captain Starlight in the Starlight Express Room today and truly embracing his beautiful, incredible self, was a very full circle and emotional experience for me.
The Captains made him feel like a super star! It had a transformative impact on Harrison, my husband and I to see our son smile and be so happy around people who made him feel safe, unique and AMAZING was so special!”
When Buddy the pony rode into hospital…
Thanks to your support, sick kids welcomed a special guest to celebrate Lunar New Year– Buddy the miniature pony.
Buddy arrived wearing magical rainbow shoes and created calm, connection and smiles for children and families in the hospital gardens.
For one young horse-riding fan, this special day meant everything. Since being in hospital, she’d missed her beloved horses and when she met Buddy, her face lit up and she was filled with joy.
Thank you for helping to bring magic and wonder to sick kids in hospital.
Starlight Insider Series: Spotlight on… Me (This Feels Weird!)
In our last issue of StarNews, I asked for your questions – and you delivered! This time, the spotlight’s on me (Maddi). I’m usually the one sharing the stories of Starlight kids and families… but today, I’m sharing a little of my own.
Q: How did your team members decide to be part of the Starlight team?
We all come from different walks of life, but we’re here for one reason, to bring happiness to seriously ill kids. For me, it’s also personal. My little brother Tom spent a lot of time in hospital because of a rare condition, and his Starlight Wish for a family trip to the Gold Coast gave us memories we still hold onto. That experience is what drives me at Starlight and reminds me just how much your support means.
Q: It must be emotional. How do you carry the joy without carrying the weight?
It is emotional, and that’s okay. Stories from families often move me to tears, but they also remind me why the work Starlight does matters. It also helps that Starlight truly “walks the talk” on wellbeing. Positive psychology shapes both our programs and our workplace, giving us tools and support to stay grounded and resilient. Just as importantly, we lean on each other. That connection makes carrying the joy possible.
Q: Do you help kids ultimately be successful in their adult lives?
Absolutely. One thing I’ve learned through my own family’s experience is that the joy Starlight creates doesn’t end in childhood, it stays with you. I’ve seen firsthand how confidence, resilience, friendships, and a sense of identity shape a young person’s future. That’s exactly what Starlight builds. By reducing fear and anxiety around healthcare, we help children feel safe, supported, and able to participate, skills that carry into adulthood.
Your support doesn’t just create joy today; it helps shape healthier, more confident young people for years ahead.
