What motivates a Starlight mom to give back? Her daughter.

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A lover of music, Eduarda (or Duda!) is a Starlight teen who is fully dependable on others for every aspect of her daily life, from walking to getting dressed. Her family’s routine revolves around therapy and doctor appointments, which can make it hard for them to find time to smile and play.

To make sure their entire family always has joyful moments to share together, Starlight Canada gave them special outings before COVID-19 — from Drive 4 Smiles (where dad felt more like a kid than Duda!) to Duda’s favourite, a Pirate Life adventure where she got to set sail in search of gold!

“After COVID-19, we were not expecting anything,” Duda’s mom, Carolina shared. But COVID-19 can’t beat Starlight Canada.

Just days after the pandemic shut down the country, Starlight Canada quickly launched the Play From Home Program to bring happiness home to seriously ill children! From virtual shows with Captain Starlight to delivering packs of toys, smiles, laughter, and joy are brought directly into their living room.

“The Facebook Live shows became her favourite days,” Carolina shared. “She would sit in front of her iPad and laugh so much that we could not help but watch with her!” Whether it was building a bear with her older sister or watching magic right in front of her eyes on a virtual show, their days confined to home are now filled with so many happy memories.

Motivated by the joy seen in their own daughter, Carolina decided to launch a fundraising initiative in support of Starlight Canada to give back with gourmet brownies!

“As a mom of a child with disabilities, I know how hard our day to day is and how important a small gesture means to us. A happy memory for our child is priceless,” Carolina shared. “If I can help more children have these happy memories and give these moms a little break, I will be doing my part.”

10% of all proceeds from Carolina’s Artisan Brownies will be donated to help brighten the lives of seriously ill children, just like Duda! Feel good about treating your sweet tooth this holiday season!

Donate at playfromhome.org today to join Carolina’s mission in giving back, or create a fundraiser of your own! If you’re a Starlight family interested in giving back to other Starlight families, visit Families for Families today.