Danica Bennett, State Partnerships Manager-Qld - Starlight Children's Foundation
This Christmas, while many of us are gathering with family and friends, thousands of children across Queensland will be spending the holidays in hospital, some in isolation and far from celebrations with their family. Your support can bring moments of joy, laughter, and normalcy to these kids when they need it most.
Take Starlight child Lottie, for example.
Her father Matt remembers the moment vividly — it was Christmas Eve when they finally received a diagnosis. “We were relieved to finally have a name for Lottie's condition but then faced the overwhelming reality of managing this rare disorder,” he said.
Just days earlier, a tremor in Lottie’s hand had triggered a whirlwind of hospital admissions and tests, leading to the discovery of Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome, a rare neurological condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.
Lottie began intensive treatments: high-dose steroids, plasma removal, and long days in isolation. “Hospital took its toll; it was emotionally draining on all of us,” Matt shared.
But amid the fear and exhaustion, one constant brought light into Lottie’s world — Captain Starlight. Through songs, games, and laughter, the Captains helped her forget the machines and procedures, and reminded her what it felt like to simply be a kid.
“Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood — especially when evidence shows happiness helps kids bounce back after going through tough times.” Starlight CEO, Louise Baxter
Lottie’s condition has improved since those early days. She’s now running, climbing, and swimming again — a joyful reminder of the power of positivity.
Illness doesn’t pause for the holidays. This Christmas, thousands of children like Lottie will spend the festive season in hospital. Your support can bring joy, comfort, and connection to these families when they need it most.
You can help by:
⭐Donating to our very own QLD Leaders fundraising page - Queensland Leaders • Christmas Gift Drive 2025 QLD
⭐Create your own company page to join the campaign. Starlight provides everything you need, including your customised branded webpage, promotional posters and social tiles. Just contact Rachel at rachel.falwasser@starlight.org.au to get started.
Every gift brings Starlight closer to making hospital a happier place for sick kids this Christmas. Together, we can give the greatest gift of all — the gift of joy, because Happiness Matters. 💜 Every gift brings Starlight closer to making hospital a happier place for sick kids this Christmas. Together, we can give the greatest gift of all — the gift of joy, because Happiness Matters. 💜
