Dear Starlight Supporter,
Our family’s journey has been anything but easy—but it’s one that has been filled with moments of strength, thanks to people like you. As I reflect on the joy my family has felt in 2024, one thing stands out: Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada. It’s their compassion, along with the generosity of donors like you, that have brought light to some of our darkest days. For that, I will be forever grateful.
In November 2022, our world was turned upside down when our son, Logan, was hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). After 44 days, we were relieved to bring him home just in time for Christmas, only to face another setback two weeks later that led to an additional 64 days in the hospital.
Following countless tests and hospital visits, Logan was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI), a rare lung condition that requires him to be on supplemental oxygen. The toll it took on our family was immense—long periods away from our other children, the financial burden of hospital stays, and the overwhelming exhaustion left little room for fun or connection as a family. But just when we thought we couldn’t take much more, we discovered Starlight Canada.
Starlight became a beacon of hope for our family, time and time again. After months of being consumed by medical treatments and endless hospital rooms, Starlight offered us a chance to focus on something positive.
When we look back on 2024, one of our favourite family experiences was a weekend getaway at Great Wolf Lodge, thanks to Starlight. Complete with a cozy cabin stay, delicious meals, and activities for the whole family, it was the perfect getaway—a chance for us to unwind and enjoy quality time together without the stresses of hospitalization. The kids had an absolute blast and still talk about it with excitement, showing just how much that trip meant to them!
We also loved attending Trick or Suite, Starlight’s unique Halloween event at a hotel, where Logan had a fantastic time trick-or-treating as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters—especially when he got to meet a large version of his costume! The excitement in his eyes when he met other kids like him, who shared similar challenges, was truly priceless.
During the holidays, Starlight Canada helped brighten the season by treating Logan to a private VIP shopping at Toys”R”Us Canada! It wasn’t just about getting new toys—it was about sharing the magic of the season with other Starlight families, including his best friend from the hospital. Seeing them pick out gifts side by side, just like any other kids, was a heartwarming reminder of the joy and friendship Starlight makes possible beyond hospital walls.
Starlight Canada gives us the opportunity to break free from our medical routine and focus on something fun. They give us the chance to laugh, explore, and just be a family again. These memories are a gift that will stay with us forever, and we will always treasure them.
To all the donors who make Starlight programs possible for children like my Logan—you are making a world of difference. Your support reminds us that we are never alone in our journey.
If you’d like to continue bringing hope and joy to even more families in 2025, please consider becoming a monthly donor at give.starlightcanada.org. By becoming a monthly donor, you turn every month into a moment of magic for seriously ill children. Thank you for making the future a bit more hopeful, and a lot more bright.
With gratitude,
April B.
Starlight Mom