Meet resilient Starlight teen, Marie-Lou, a lover of swimming and horses!

Marie-Lou was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma at just 5 years old. In these young years of her life that should be spent exploring carefree childhood, Marie-Lou underwent radiation and chemotherapy to fight this inoperable brain tumour. Heartbreakingly, her family was told they would only have 6 more months left with their sweet daughter.

Defying all the odds and their doctors’ predictions, the resilient Marie-Lou is still with us and is spreading her joy and bright smile to those around her every day.

Now a teenager, Marie-Lou still struggles with many aftereffects of her treatments. From limited mobility to having to use walkers or wheelchairs, it can be difficult for her family to enjoy fun, accessible moments without the stress of planning.

At one of our most recent Winter Motomax events, Marie-Lou left all her worries behind her in the review mirror! Through adapted snowmobile, hovercraft, and ATV rides, Marie-Lou got to experience the thrill of off-roading adrenaline and left with a renewed smile, sense of adventure, and memories to hold onto when things get hard.

“We were able to enjoy a great family activity, which we don’t often do,” Marie-Lou’s mom, Julie, shared. “It is a rare opportunity for us to have beautiful moments out of the house without worrying about the complications because of Marie-Lou’s disability. It feels good.”

“When we have an invitation for a Starlight activity, it is always a great joy for the whole family because everything is so well organized and adapted for our daughter! These little moments we share with you… we can’t thank you enough for all these little pleasures,” Julie said.

Your donations are what help kids and teens like Marie-Lou experience much-needed moments of inclusion and joy. Donate at give.starlightcanada.org today to give these moments to more seriously ill children across the country.

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