Henry's story
Five-year-old Henry was experiencing tummy pains.
A day later, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
“We were utterly devastated,” said Henry’s mum, Jade. “It was like someone pulled the rug out from under us.”
Henry endured critical surgery and gruelling chemotherapy in the months that followed, making him sick and exhausted.
Hospital was a scary and lonely place for Henry.
Thankfully, Captain Starlight’s arrival brought fun, crafts and games to help Henry forget about being in hospital.
Whenever Henry visited the Starlight Express Room, Captain Starlight encouraged his imagination. Together they made craft clocks and invented a superhero game where Henry became Clock Man!
“Because of Captain Starlight, we have so many positive memories in hospital, despite Henry going through cancer and all the pain and procedures,” said Henry’s mum Jade.
Captain Starlight, made hospital a happier place for Henry, helping him get through challenging times.
“Starlight has been an absolute game-changer for Henry and our family.” - Jade, Henry’s mum.
Here's how your donation will help
$39
Helps Henry and his brothers find happiness in hospital by visiting the Starlight Express Room
$78
Helps kids in hospital have fun and explore their interests with surprise art packs
$117
Helps Captain Starlight brighten long hospital stays for more sick kids like Henry
Why happiness matters
A happy childhood makes a lasting difference to lifelong psychological wellbeing, sense of self, social connections, and healthy behaviours.
Captain Starlight helps seriously ill children experience laughter and fun. But the benefits of happiness extend much further. Captain Starlight helps:
kids build confidence and resilience while in hospital
families re-connect during periods of isolation
improve a child's mental health & wellbeing
kids cope with the fear of treatments
foster positive relationships between patients and health clinicians
