Welcome to the Starlight Starbright family section, where our families and children have written a collection of touching and memorable stories, explaining how our programs and services have touched their lives.

If you would like to comment on any of the stories, or want more information on our programs and services, please send a note to: laura@slsbcanada.org. Have a story of your own to share? Click here to tell us about it.

Learn more about becoming a part of the Starlight Starbright extended family to make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Visit our how to help to find out the many ways you can get involved with us -- from volunteering at a local Great Escape to hosting a special event raising donations for Starlight Starbright, there are countless ways to help make a difference.

To make a donation today, visit http://www.starlightcanada.org/donatenow.htm.

A Mother's Perspective

Up until a few years ago, my family was just like any other family in your neighborhood. My husband and I were both busy working professionals, and our children were happy and healthy. My son Michael was an 8-year-old little boy who loved to ride his bike, play video games, and clown around with his older sisters Kathleen and Cynthia. Then one day, our whole world was turned upside down. Michael burst into my bedroom at 5 a.m., crying, clutching his chest in pain and barely able to breathe. He was running a very high fever and was in such serious distress that we rushed him to the hospital. From that morning on life changed forever.

After many tests, x-rays, CT scans, and a biopsy, Michael was diagnosed with a very rare, but deadly, form of bone cancer. The doctors found a massive tumor that was growing out of his rib, pushing against his lung and liver and causing my little boy all that pain. I felt as if I was going to die. As a health professional, I knew immediately what Michael's prognosis was, and I knew that it wasn't good. Emotionally I was a wreck. Our life became a whirlwind of doctors, hospital rooms and medical treatments. Michael had surgery to remove three of his ribs and part of his lung. He endured ten months of grueling chemo - every six weeks for three to six days at a time. Nausea, fatigue, infections, pain, transfusions, and isolation were a regular part of his world. At night, my mind would fill with unanswered questions. While searching the Web for any bit of information that might help, I found Starlight Starbright's Coping with Chemo and devoured every bit of information about the disease and its treatment... READ MORE

-Judith Wong
Starlight Starbright Mother

In Their Words

Finding Connection Through Starbright World: Being a teenager in high school is never easy, but just think… if you had an illness it is even more challenging. As a high school senior living with muscular dystrophy, it is almost impossible. One thing that helps me is an online social network for seriously ill teens called Starbright World. I log on everyday to talk to my friends from all over the world. We all have different conditions, but everyone understands what it's like to be sick and they don't make me feel bad for my illness. Starbright World connects you to people who really care about you.

-Starlight Starbright teenager

 

Ending the Isolation of An Illness: I call Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation my special place, because, through Starlight Starbright's programs and special events, I can meet other children who, just like me, suffer from a serious illness. At Great Escapes, I've made many new friends with kids who know what it is like to be painfully sick and we have a chance to talk openly and not feel judged - they like me for who I am. Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is so special to me because they have shown me that I am not alone.

-Starlight Starbright child

 

Spending Family Time Together: Starlight Starbright's programs have been the most wonderful thing for my family because we were able to spend quality time together -- just like we once did before my daughter's illness. You brought back a normal time to my family; after we have been through so much it is hard to remember what normal once was. We have been able to spend time together as a family and we feel so supported. I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for the experiences that you bring!

-Starlight Starbright parent

 

Much Needed Distraction: I was introduced to Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation when, a few years back, I was admitted to the hospital nine times. During these long hospital stays, I used Starbright World on a daily basis, and it was through this program that I was able to talk to other kids to help make my visits more pleasurable. I took place in a live chat with kids across the country and participated in an essay contest about the NBA, in which I took second place! Starlight Starbright helped me to cope with my illness, and I want to thank you for providing programs that allow more and more kids to have hospital stays that are less stressful.

-Starlight Starbright child