Starlight Children's Foundation

Discovering the Starlight Children's Foundation has been a true blessing. Knowing they dedicate themselves to bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families has made them one of my favorite charities to support. Their work is invaluable, and I'm proud to contribute to their mission of creating brighter moments during challenging times

I have had the honor and privilege of collaborating with Starlight for over 30 years at Miller Children's Hospital. So many of our patients have benefitted from all of the wonderful programs Starlight offers to help pediatric patients and their families adjust to and cope with hospitalization and illness.
Thank you to everyone at Starlight for making a positive difference in the lives of our patients?

The people who work at Starlight are genuine and passionate about delivering its mission. They are all kind and down-to-earth people and create supportive environments for the families they serve and fundraisers they work with!

Starlight is so great to its network of hospital partners! Starlight helps ease the burden of being a kid in the hospital!

Starlight is a wonderful organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of children who have to spend time in a hospital or doctor's office. The programs that Starlight offers, such as Starlight gaming and toy deliveries, bring happiness and play into an otherwise sad and scary time. Working with an organization that has such a positive impact on kids, both physically and mentally, is extremely rewarding.

Starlight Children's Foundation really works hard to delivery happiness to kids in hospitals. Their fun hospital gowns are amazing, help reduce stress and anxiety, and offer control and autonomy for kids in a situation where they often don't have much choice.

Starlight is an awesome organization, with a truly exceptional mission. Working in the nonprofit field for over 15 years - I have never experienced a team of people with such heart and connection to Starlight's mission. As a parent, my child was hospitalized earlier in the year, truly disrupting all of our lives - being able to witness the impact the Starlight has on hospitalized kids, and their families gave me an even deeper connection to our mission and appreciation for all that Starlight does.

Starlight Children's Foundation is a wonderful organization. I have worked for Starlight for a year and a half, and all employees are dedicated to the mission and vision. Starlight offers employees an excellent benefit package, generous vacation and so many other great benefits. Starlight is a wonderful place to work and hearing the stories of the impact we make is so rewarding.

More than 25 years ago, I joined the Board of the Starbright Children's Foundation, an offshoot of Starlight. Starbright sought to reach children in hospital using technology, including what was likely the first online social network, where hospitalized children could communicate with each other in chaperoned chats and other communications. Starbright eventually folded back into Starlight but the use of technology to reach hospitalized children persists in expanding the numbers of children who can be reached effiicently and helped. Starlight is managed with focus and efficiency, as well as vision, and has succeeded beyond all my hopes in bringing aboard extraordinary partners, such as Disney, to broaden and deepen its offerings to the more than 3 million children it has reached. My participation is one of the life achievements I am most proud of.

I've worked closely with Starlight since 1984. Remarkably, the mission has never changed: seriously ill children are sad...
Starlight makes them happy. A pure play in empathy, compassion and humanity. And the metrics go far beyond dollars: add smiles. joy, and the healing of families fractured by a serious illness. The real deal. Added bonus: if you push down their pain and depression caused by illness, kids often heal faster and better. Starlight is the best of us.

I’ve seem the impact of Starlight’s programs first hand. The joy and happiness on a child’s face - a child in the hospital dealing with illness and medical challenges - is immeasurable. Giving Child Life team members access to Starlight’s games and gowns that will take a child’s mind off the current moment is critical to their healing journey.

So many organizations focus on cures and research while so few focus on a child's quality of life during the most difficult of times. Starlight's devotion to a seriously ill child's sense of joy clearly makes a difference. Starlight's ability to reach a vast network of hospitals means it can deliver programs to thousands of children. Hospitals are strained enough simply trying to address illness so their resources available for a child's experience are very limited. An organization like Starlight is invaluable to hospitals as it fulfills a role that few others can. It's been a privilege to play a small part in this meaningful mission.

A great organization with a great cause and a nationwide reach.

Starlight is an absolutely wonderful organization! They have an incredibly heart-filled mission of bringing happiness to hospitalized kids and their families. Through their work with content creators, they have been able to share one of their most awesome programs "Starlight Gaming" with millions of people. The work they are doing, and the excitement from the staff and other donors, like myself, are unwavering. This is definitely a worthy cause to donate to and get involved with!

I am honored to share my experience with Starlight Children's Foundation. The connection goes back over 20 years when I first became a Child Life Specialist. Starlight has been a reliable organization that I could count on to fulfil the PLAY needs of children in the hospital. Offering access to innovative and familiar toys, wagons, game systems, holidays, back to school, and hospital gowns. One of the most effective and easy ways I am able to have access to these programs is through the facility login account. This process has enhanced my experience and has streamlined our hospitals team ability to deliver happiness. Thank you, Starlight for your continued efforts to reach children during the most vulnerable times of their lives.

Starlight truly does help bring happiness during dark times in the hospital plus their use of fundraising dollars is effective!

So grateful that this organization exists to support children and families going through hospitalization. I lost a close friend to leukemia when she was just 7 years old and I really connect with the work that Starlight does to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and loneliness brought on by hospitalization. I'm honored to support their cause and bring moments of happiness to kids across the country!

I absolutely love Starlight Children's Foundation. It is an amazing organization and delivers happiness to so many kids. The programs that are my favorite are Ninentendo Hand Switch and custom hospital gowns. I am grateful to say I am a small part of this awesome network of hospitals and fundraisers like myself.

Starlight has created so many wonderful moments for hospitalized children across the US. I've seen the direct impact their programs have made on my local community by putting toys, books, and games in the hands of the hospitalized children that need them the most!

The work this organization does is profound and makes such a lasting impact! Leadership from starlight presented at my company to help raise awareness and funds. There are endless stories of how starlight had helped children of my colleagues turn what would normally be a stressful time full of sadness to one with happy memories. It is also really impactful to see how healthcare providers can do their jobs more effectively, when children are not under distress, because of the work star like does. Thank you for all that you do!

I love the mission of Starlight to help kids in hospitals feel more comfortable through entertainment and play. The impact Starlight is making on kids in hospitals across the country is nothing short of extraordinary, as they provide not only crucial support but also hope and joy during challenging times.

The team at Starlight are awesome! You can tell that they really care about the work that they do and really want to have a positive impact on a child's hospital experience. Being able to volunteer at a local hospital event I had the opportunity to witness the values of the organization and how appreciative the hospitals and patients are of the programs that they offer.

Everyone at Starlight is 100% dedicated to their mission. They are passionate and really care about helping hospitalized children and making that difficult experience somewhat easier for them. Thank you for all the work that you do!

I have volunteered with Starlight several times and, most recently, at a Health Fair in Los Angeles. It was truly amazing to watch their programs bring smiles to these kids' faces. They really do fulfill their mission, to deliver happiness to seriously ill kids, in every thing they do. Thank you Starlight for helping so many communities!

I love the Starlight virtual reality program. I think it's really great that they're using state-of-the-art technology to bring happiness to kids in the hospital. Not only is it fun but it can greatly reduce a child's pain. Great job, Starlight!

I am a monthly donor to Starlight and I love knowing that more than 85% of their funding goes directly to their programs. They truly are doing everything they can to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids.

This non-profit is extraordinary with what they do for the lives of children in the hospital and their families too! They really think about the impact of the experience for the patient as well as their siblings and parents by providing an atmosphere of fun and normalcy as much as they can. I love that they also take the time to really follow-up with their families and patients.

I donate to Starlight because I believe in their mission and the genuine people behind their company.

Starlight is such an amazing organization. Our family is personally thankful for the gaming systems during our sons hospital stay(s). Each and every time the system was rolled into the room it immediately brought a smile to our sons face. During a difficult health journey these gaming systems had the entire family laughing and smiling. Both our boys loved playing games together day and night, it was a great way for the boys to connect during a not so great time.

My daughter was a Starlight kid 30 years ago. Hundreds of thousands of kids have been hospitalized since then and Starlight continues to provide peace of mind for parents by making the stays more pleasant... recently new softer gowns with updated designs. Also, state of the art technology through different decades, currently VR technology and gaming for kids who would otherwise be stuck in rooms, surprise celebrity visitors, sharing opportunities for medical staff training, and most importantly long term, forward thinking advisors, directors and employees dedicated to making Starlight sustainable for future patients. That’s why I donate.

My son who was 8 years old at the time had a big surgery on his legs at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. His threshold for pain is low. His therapist wanted to get him out of bed and moving around. He was in a lot of pain and just wanted to stay in bed. They brought the Nintendo Wii for him to play. This gaming system was what he needed to take his mind off of the pain. He was able to get out of bed and would sit in a chair and play the Nintendo Wii. I feel this was the best thing for him to help with his recovery.

Starlight is a wonderful organization working to make children’s lives better. Our family’s life has been touched by their generosity to help make a deeply challenging medical Issue much easier to cope with. They have spread starlight upon us all. Thank you and God bless.

Starlight Children’s Foundation has brought lots of joy to my 5yr old son Andrew who is currently fighting a rare form of Leukemia. Starlight provided Andrew with the most comfortable, and not to mention the cutes hospital gowns. The gowns make Andrew feel like he his wearing pajamas and not the normal hospital gowns.

This organization helped with getting my niece and her family to a Cubs game this past April, and they were able to get some of the Cubs team to meet the family, and they had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. Class act organization!

so grateful for the product in that it really helped our family when our son was in the hospital to make it feel like it wasnt in the hospital and he was able to be a real kid.

This nonprofit is totally amazing! We are a recipient of the Beautiful gowns and have worn them time and time again throughout many procedures! It’s wonderful to look back at photos and know that he was able to have a moment of just being a kid and show people the muscles on his shirt instead of feeling very sterile and having PTSD about having the standard one put on. So grateful and look forward to the future to see what Moore this nonprofit can do to help others!

Starlight is such a wonderful group! We got to help Jack, their 2018 Design a Gown winner celebrate his fantastic design and special win at a Cubs game this Spring! Starlight has helped put smiles on the faces of so many sick children-wonderful job and mission!!

This organization, headed up by wonderful people, create a warm, fun atmosphere in an otherwise sad and cold environment by adding happiness and fun to hospital stays for sick children. Seeing first-hand how their soft, functional hospital gowns made my now-one-year old daughter more comfortable during one of her many hospital stays was incredible. They are like make-a-wish for hospitalized children. I just wish more people knew about them and their amazing mission and purpose.

I first learned of Starlight when they worked with Michaels for the create a gown contest. A friend of ours, their son, actually ended up winning!!! We were lucky enough to join at the Cubs game when they announced the winner. We met some people from starlight, and it is obvious how passionate they are about what they do. I’ve also since seen, many children who are sick in gowns given to them from starlight. They are an incredible organization. 5 stars for starlight!!!

I have watched Starlight come alongside my friends, the Backe family. The support and encouragement the family received during the design a gown contest was fabulous. We had so much fun cheering them on and joining them at the Cubs game, while also supporting a wonderful cause. This foundation brings joy to children who might otherwise not find it in their current situation.

Starlight has helped my daughter and her friends fighting an ultra rare disease called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, get comfortable and funny gowns to wear during their frequent hospital stays. They have brought joy to my sick child and gave brought smiles to a difficult time.

Starlight has been a wonderful resource for my family! They are a kind, compassionate group of people who are trying to do good things in this world. Keep up the great work Starlight!

Starlight Children's Foundation has been an amazing resource for my niece who has spent the last 15 months caring for a critically ill infant. Her family was blessed to be introduced to this non-profit and to use the resources it provided to assist with the navigation required to care for her daughter as well as her family. We loved watching the design a gown contest, voting for our favorites and learning more about the amazing stories that went along with the entries. Bravo Starlight!

My grandson designed a hospital gown in honor of his baby sisters congenital heart defect, and was selected as the winner of the contest from hundreds of entries. Starlight donated 30,000 gowns to hospitals throughout the country and my granddaughter was able to wear one during her hospital stay this past summer for her 3rd open heart surgery. The gowns help all children feel more comfortable during a difficult time. Starlight does many other things to comfort children during their hospital stay. What an amazing organization!

"We are proud to support Starlight Children's Foundation," said Todd Mulvahill, President of Papa Murphy's Seattle Co-Op. "Making a difference in our local community is important to Papa Murphy's and we look forward to continuing our support of children and families in the greater Seattle area."

“Starlight is so much more than just toys and games,” says Tanya Ybarra, M.S., C.C.L.S., a child life specialist at California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles. “Where you see a can of Play-Doh, I see a tool to help my pediatric patients understand how cancer cells form a tumor, and how we treat it to help them get better.”

“Niagara cares deeply about children and their families and through our corporate giving we aim to support those who face insurmountable challenges,” said Kristen Venick, Director of Niagara Cares. “By partnering with Starlight Children's Foundation we are able to bring some fun and comfort to a child's hospital stay and distract them from the often daunting care they are receiving. We are proud to support this program in all of our Niagara communities.”

Connecting with nature helps children heal. Whether they are learning to cope with a catastrophic injury or a life-changing diagnosis, medically-supervised camp experiences support and empower kids and teens as they gain independence and self-confidence and develop social/emotional, communication, and leadership skills. Specialty programs include those for burn survivors; children who require respiratory assistance; and children living with craniofacial abnormalities, cancer, kidney and liver disease, and other diagnoses. Help bring the joy of camp to kids in your community.

You have the power to stimulate creativity and help kids in your community heal. Art, music, and pet therapy can transform a child’s healing journey and improve health outcomes. Specialized therapists play an important role in a patient’s overall treatment plan, reducing pain and anxiety; improving motor skills and speech and language; enhancing self-esteem and confidence; encouraging self-expression; preparing patients for procedures; and teaching coping strategies that can help children recover from trauma, both emotionally and physically.

Because of the need for specialized treatments and equipment, caring for a pediatric patient can cost four times as much as caring for an adult with the same ailment. This creates a tremendous burden for the communities that financially and emotionally support these children and their families.

The Kansas City Royals and New York Mets teamed up with Major League Baseball and Starlight Children’s Foundation during the 2015 World Series to support kids and families in local communities. The teams and the league donated two Starlight Fun Center mobile entertainment units to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York. Former team members and MLB executives joined with Starlight and hospital staff to unveil the new units to the delight of pediatric patients at each facility.

“Advocate Children’s Hospital is thankful for this generous donation from Astellas USA Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation. On behalf of the teens and children we care for throughout the Chicagoland area, we want to thank you,” said Mike Farrell, President, Advocate Children’s Hospital. “At Advocate Children’s Hospital, we focus on making our care environments safe, sustainable and engaging. This generous gift allows us to enhance our teen lounge and provide technology and design elements important to teens and their families.”

“At The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, our priority is our patients and providing them the highest quality care,” said Jon Hayes, CEO of The Children’s Hospital. “This means focusing on the healing of the whole child, and we’re grateful to Astellas USA Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation for embracing this goal with us by helping enhance and beautify the dialysis unit.”

“Starlight Children’s Foundation and Astellas USA Foundation share a commitment to improving quality of life for patients and their families,” said Jeff Winton, president of Astellas USA Foundation. “We’re proud to play a supporting role in enhancing the healing experience for kids right in our backyard at Advocate Children’s Hospital.”

A little over a month ago, I would have given Starlight Children’s Foundation a 5-star review. Allow me to explain why this is no longer the case. For twenty years, Starlight had a program called Starbright World, which was a social networking site for sick kids. When I joined Starbright World earlier this year, I was very alone, having lost most of my friends due to my illness and disability. I couldn’t relate to any of my peers; I’d never even spoken to another person my age who used a wheelchair, much less someone who had my incredibly rare disease. I had no one to talk to about my intense and emotional experience with chronic illness. Everything changed when I joined Starbright World. I met wonderful, caring, supportive people who understood what I was going through and were happy to welcome me into their community. It was a place where I could share my experience, from devastating diagnoses to painful procedures to frustrating doctor’s appointments, without fear of judgment. It was the first time since I’d been sick that I didn’t feel alone. Whenever I needed support, I came onto the chat room, which was monitored by wonderful hosts and full of kids just like me. I made true friends, the likes of which I didn’t have in real life. Starbright World was the first place I would go whenever something wonderful or terrible happened. It was the only beautiful, innocent place I’d ever seen on the internet, and the only safe place I had in my life. I know I’m not the only one who felt this way. There were hundreds of kids like me who depended upon Starbright World for an outlet and a support system.

That was before this August, when Starlight announced that they would be shutting down Starbright World. They fired all of the incredible, giving, loving hosts without warning and gave us only three days notice before the site went dark. Sick, vulnerable, isolated kids, some of whom had been with Starbright World since the beginning, had their support system ripped away in less than a week. The effect was devastating. I was up until 4am three nights in a row, bawling my eyes out. One of my friends had a relapse of her illness from the stress. As kids with chronic illnesses, we already have enough stress and uncertainty in our lives! We weren’t even given an explanation; we were only told that there was no longer a need for Starbright World. We users banded together and desperately tried to save the site, proving that there was a need for Starbright World, but nobody listened. I sent emails and called Starlight Children’s Foundation, but I never got a response from either. They didn’t even send out emails to users, so those who didn’t log in during those three days didn’t find out until after the site was gone. We were completely abandoned and told that we should simply connect on Facebook. There are several reasons why this doesn’t work: 1) Facebook does not provide the anonymity and safety of a closed, monitored community, 2) many of the kids on Starbright World weren’t even allowed to make Facebook accounts, and 3) there is no chatroom where the kids can discuss about their experiences, and 4) it will not connect sick kids to each other in the future. The end of Starbright World was a travesty that hurt the very people it was designed to help. I am once again surrounded by people who don’t understand and can’t relate to me, and I feel more alone than ever. I can’t help but feel that Starlight Children’s Foundation doesn’t really care about sick children at all.

While Starlight Children's Foundation has a good overall message they do not have the best interest for the teenagers involved in their social media website "Starbright World." Starbright World is a Facebook-like website for teenagers with chronic illnesses and the administration decided to shut down the website without warning to its members. Members had to put together other means of contact within three days before the site was to shutdown. It was a sudden notice that many were take aback by. Several members didn't even know the website was shutdown until after it was already done. Teenagers with chronic illnesses need the support of others to understand they are not alone and find a safe place to confide in others with their feelings. Instead of giving us support they destroyed the community we once had. Starlight Children's Foundation chose not to support those most vulnerable who needed them the most.

Starlight Global advertise an incredible mission to 'empower donors and strengthen communities by supporting the physical and emotional health of children and their families where they live, work and play'. If only they stuck by this.

Over the years, Starlight has had an incredible and positive impact in my life. I live in Australia, so I first came involved with Starlight through Starlight Australia, (which I will note is separate to Starlight Global), through the incredible Starlight Express Room at my paediatric hospital. Going to the Starlight Express Room was an incredible escape from my reality of what seemed like endless admissions, treatments and procedures and therapies. For a moment I could just forget about my reality, I could just go and joke around with the Starlight captains, chat about the things people my age usually would, play some games, do some art and just enjoy myself. It was incredible!

It was here I was introduced to Livewire Online, which is Starlight Australia's great online social network for kids and young adults living a chronic or serious illness or disability, supporting them both in hospital and at home. At the time, this program was joined in a chat room with Starlight Global's similar program, Starbright World.

I loved Starbright World right from day one. It was incredible. The impact it had on my life was even more incredible. When I joined Starbright World, I was not in a great place. Stuck in a hospital, far from home, after having had my life as I had known it, turned upside down and torn apart, I was incredibly withdrawn and isolated and felt misunderstood by those around me and felt I had little purpose in life.

Starbright World changed that. It was like a chosen family right from the first time I logged on. For the first time ever, I felt as though someone understood what I was going through. I realised I was not alone in the challenges I faced. I could log in at any time and chat to people who had faced similar challenges and experiences, people I could relate to and gain invaluable advice and support from. But it was so much more than that as well, it was not all about the medical challenges we were facing, it was just like we were actual friends, talking about everything else that was happening in people's lives. How school or sport or art classes were going, the latest and greatest TV show, movie or music, celebrity gossip and whatever else came to mind. We played games, we watched movies together, we did everything. The distance between us was irrelevant!

There was even more than this too though. During my years on Starbright World, I grew so much as an individual. Members and moderators shared their experiences of how they did not let their diagnoses and prognosis define what they achieved in life. It was the first time I realised, 'well, yes I have been told I will not be able to do much anymore, such as returning to education and sport, but why should that stop me at least trying?'. It made me realise that the world was still my oyster, anything was possible if I wanted it and put my mind to it. The support I received from everyone was incredible. They were there to help navigate and support me through the tough times, and celebrate with me during the great times. I was given incredible opportunities within the community, both in leadership and general skills that helped me gain and build on skills. I became a lot of confident and self motivated, and this helped build up my life outside of Starbright World too.

I can safely say, that there is absolutely no way I would be where I am in life today, achieving what I am, without Starbright World. Because of Starbright World, I am living my life to the fullest. I am at university, studying medical research, I am heavily involved within my community, mentoring youth with disabilities, running seminars, am part of a youth disability advisory and advocacy board, am president of Sailability, an organisation aimed at getting people of all abilities on the water sailing and so much more. Because of Starbright World, I know that my diagnoses or prognosis's do not have to and now will not ever define what I can not do.

Recently, Starlight Global made the incredibly sad decision to end this program, a program that was having an incredible impact of many people's lives. Now, I understand that there comes a time for all things to come to an end, and I also understand there sometimes comes a time when things are not longer viable, but Starlight Global tore this community apart in the worst possible way. They used foolish statistics, that showed how out of reach with the program they were, to notify the members of the community that there was no longer a need for the program and it would close in 72 hours. They had little care for this incredible community. They tore the communities home or landing place away from us without even notifying all of the members, some of whom had been members for years on end. To this day, they have still failed to notify all of the members. They just removed the site and all proof of its existence, which as a member of the site for years, find truly disappointing.

Once again, Starlight Global claims to strengthen communities by supporting the physical and emotional health of children and their families where they live, work and play. They did everything but this.

Very disappointed with Starlight Global, and I definitely think people should think twice about supporting this foundation in the future.


Although the names may be misleading, Starlight Australia, and other Starlight counterparts, who are not part of the running of Starlight Global, around the world continue to have incredible impact on the lives of those living with chronic and serious illnesses and disabilities, through their amazing programs. Support should definitely continue of these organisations.

A great organization however I believe they care to much about statistics. I was apart of a website the organization hosted called starbright world. This was a very useful website that I loved and would be on whenever I had spare time. But then when I logged on one time I saw they were closing the website down. They took everything I loved away in just three days. They did this because they said the need wasn't being fulfilled anymore. but they were wrong the need was definitely there I am sure lots of people would agree. we became a family. we needed each other to help cope with everything that was going on in our lives and a lot of us went through a lot and the people in charge of starbright just stopped it dead in its tracks fortunately we were able to stay connected through other means of social media but it just isn't the same. I wish we still had that outlet to just talk with other people that understood what we were going through...

I think that Starlight has a very good idea and foundation. They are trying to bring teens with chronic illnesses together --like me-- they gave us a chat room and a "pulse" (looks a little like Facebook.) and it was the first time in all my life that I had friends that understood me and what I'm going though. It was the first time I've ever met someone with my medical condition.
Starlight decided to take that all away from us. They notified us that Starbright world was closing. The pulse and the chat room, our connections and support systems. They told us all but three or four days before the website was to go dark. We scrambled to get each others face books and phone numbers. But there was nothing like Starbright world. It was my safe space to vent and be scared about hospital stays and health tests.
Starlight took that away, with no notice, took it away with no consideration about what it was going to do to the community they were pulling apart.

Starlight Children's Foundation is the epitome of a "mission driven" organization. Each employee whom I have interfaced with has shown how passionate they are to "improve the life and health of kids and families around the world". The campaigns they run, the partnerships they foster and the inspiring messages they share have created this community that pulls you in whether you are a patient, a family member or just a member of the general public. They raise awareness and it inspires you to help. My organization participated in the Play in May event and you could see the surge of light that the Starlight team gave our employees by making them feel they could be a part of this mission. They are energetic, inclusive, supportive and hands down our favorite non-profit!

Starlight is a breath of fresh air- it heartwarming to see an organization who truly cares. Their work is inspiring and they are literally changing lives, one child at a time. The compassion and dedication they show to these children and their families is commendable. It is comforting to know that organizations such as theirs still exist. Great job Starlight, keep up the exceptional work!

Starlight is a champion for kids. They get it. They have an incredible vision and understand how to successfully serve those in need of their help. I am a very proud to be a supporter for Starlight Children s Foundation and will remain so.

The leadership and compassion coming from the CEO, Jacqueline Hart-Ibrahim, can be seen throughout the entire organization which continues to far exceed my expectations. It is very clear to me that Starlight is continuing on an extraordinary path of growth to partner "with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world." By uniting Starlight chapters under the global office, creating a revolutionary platform for hospitals to speak to donors directly, and much more, the Starlight Global Office is leading the charge in making sure children and families will always be the number one priority.

Starlight has shown to be an exceptional organization with every interaction that I have... the staff is passionate, the dedication to the mission is evident and the work they do is inspirational. When I look at the nonprofit's I support, Starlight is my favorite:-)

Starlight is awesome! Their mission, vision, staff, volunteers, execution, and the children/families they serve are incredible!

They deserve every dollar they receive, and more!

Starlight has been a great supporter of kids and families for many years. The great work they do is an inspiration to us all and I hope that they are here for many years to come. Keep up the great work!

Ever since I became acquainted with Starlight, I've been touched by their mission and impressed by their focus to help kids as they navigate through difficult and often scary times. The Starlight staff and volunteers have been nothing but wonderful in their pursuit of this admirable goal.

In highschool I volunteered with the Starlight Foundation at various events. Not only was it a fun and enriching way to pass the time, but it also helped teach me compassion and open-mindedness towards others. The joy in the children's faces was unforgettable!

I co-founded Starlight thirty years ago by helping one seriously ill little boy live his dream. Here we are three decades later and Starlight is a fully professionalized, multi-national non-profit that has lifted up the lives of over 60 million kids, and their Moms and Dads and siblings. I could not be more proud. The incredible efficiency of our professional team, coupled with the same relentless drive to always put the children first, are humbling and give me great pride at every meeting (and there are a lot!) Go Team!

My first experience with Starlight was working for Children's Hospital Los Angeles and was because of the Starlight Fun Center. Our kids LOVED the Fun Center and we could never have enough of them. Recently, Starlight has expanding their program offerings and now also supports pediatric facilities through their Wish List program. This organization has a huge impact on the lives of kids and families!

Starlight is an incredible supporter of kids and their families. Thank you for the millions you serve and the impact you make every day on kids like mine.

Kids Wish Network is a great source of support and coping in the field of Child Life. Within White Memorial Medical Center, KWN helps give our little patients a valuable referrence of what it means to be brave and resiliant during difficult times. KWN provides hours of fun and lifelong lessons for our patients. I could not perform my job as well without their constant support; it is truly a resource I have within my bag of tools!! Thank you Kids Wish Network!!

I first lurned about sbw when thay was linked with Livewire sbw has been there to help me in the toughest time off need thay are allway there to listen to you and us and. Always give us helpfull tips

I started using Starbright World as a sick teen in the hospital and then at home as a way to reach out to others like me. It is a wonderful program for teens and young adults up to age 21, who need help relating to others like themselves, knowing that their not alone. It helped me feel that way, and showed me that even though that we may be far apart spread across the country we are all together as one, the same. Starbright World/Starlight is truly amazing. The friends I have made here, we have laughed, cried, and been angry, sad and happy together. And we show no judgement. I am so glad I found it.

I used SBW from the ages of 13 to 21 and for the entire time it has helped me so much. SBW hasn't only helped me feel welcome and feel like I was around people who understand me, SBW helped me find a friend.

As a kid I spent a lot of time in the hospital. Starlight and especially their Starbright World program an online chat room for seriously ill teens. Starbright World helped me connect to others going through a similar experience. It helped me socialize and helped me make the transition from home to hospital more easily.

I can’t even begin to express how deeply my life has been touched and deeply enriched by the Starlight Children's Foundation from first being a member on Starbright World and now being a volunteer and mentor. I have had the honor and privilege of working closely with the staff members and volunteers and therefore I have gotten to see how dedicated staff is at Starlight and the way that they interact with the families that are involved in the foundation. Each and everyone of them give 110% to make Starlight the very best that it can be and it is felt be everyone. The Starlight Children's Foundation allows kids, teens, and their families to participate in activities and be involved in a community where they feel safe and are surrounded by kindness, love, and compassion.

While I could easily speak for myself about how this foundation has changed my life, I think speaking on behalf of my late husband, Spencer, gives an even better testament of the life changing benefits that Starlight has on kids and teens. Spencer was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease called cystic fibrosis when he was 13 years old. His health declined so quickly after his diagnosis in part of not understanding what it took to stay healthy and partly of not having enough hope or reason to live. He became incredibly isolated in the hospital and at home and had no one to connect with. Spencer was able to utilize fun centers from the Foundation while in the hospital to keep his mind off of his medical treatments and when Starbright World was introduced to him he felt a since of belonging again. He was able to relate with other teenagers who were sick and fighting for their lives his like he was. By talking with others in his situation he understood how important his treatments were and he was given invaluable mentorship by staff and volunteers that made him strive be be his best even though he was handed a really crummy deck of cards in life. Starbright World gave Spencer hope and reason to keep pushing forward despite all adversities. SBW gave him life long friendships that he continues to have even after he passed away. Starbright World and the Starlight Children's Foundation gave Spencer a family that made his life so much better and worth living.

This is only a small part of what Starlight is able to give, how Starlight affects thousands of kids and families, and how Starlight changes lives.

when i was diagnosed with crohns at age 12 no one in my family understood, i was led to starbright world through the uc and crohns teens website when i turned 13 , i love chatting to everyone and i have like 9 friends with ibd , i love going on and chatting with the hosts , i spread the word of my project to raise awareness of ibd through sbw and everyone helped , especially host rasarella

I have been involved with the Starlight Children's Foundation for over five years. During this time I have been positively impacted in a way that has forever changed my life. Without Starlight I don't think I would be the positive, compassionate and bubbly person I am today. Starlight brings out the best in people who have "bad" circumstances by showing them that they are never alone. I know others, like myself, will definitely support Starlight in changing the world, one person at a time; as I hope you will too!

My name is Alisha and I found Starbright world when I was 13. I was already battling one illness, and undiagnosed with others. During my time here I've been diagnosed with 2 other illnesses. These diagnosis processes were long and exhausting, and there were many days spent in doctor's offices and many nights spent in the hospital, and there were many many tests. Starlight has meant so much to me, back when I was very ill and fighting for my life, and now as I am fighting towards remission. The people I've met on Starbright world, hosts, volunteers and others with illnesses like mine, have been so supportive and encouraging, and I don't know how I would have gotten through this without them. The fun bags starlight provided when I was in the hospital was a source of fun and a way to ease my mind as I faced upcoming tests, and the super cool teen room and the people was a way to let me just be a kid, even when I felt like I'd had to grow up too fast. I guess I'm trying to say that Starlight has meant the world to me. It's given me the courage to dream, it gave me the courage to fight for my life and now it continues to give me the courage to walk every day in remission, and to adjust to this new way of life.

My name is Bri! I have been a member of Starlight and Starbright World for 2 years now. Starlight has helped me in so many different ways! Their online social network Starbright World for teens with illnesses has helped me make so many close friends who also have illnesses! I would recommend Starlight and Starbright World to any teen who has an illness so they can get support from so many awesome people!

I have lived with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for nearly my entire life. The complications from this disease and the medications that I take for it are many and painful. I also live with asthma and other conditions. Early last year I was sitting at home unable to do much of anything because I was so sick. It occurred to me to wonder if there was any way for me to connect with peers who also were sick. I was lonely, sad, and had no way to discuss my pain with anyone. After a simple Google search Starbright World came up at the top of the list. I couldn't believe that I hadn't heard of SBW before. I applied to join that day.
SBW has been an amazing influence in my life. Ever since joining I have felt so much less isolated. When I'm too sick to leave the house I still have someone that I can talk to. The people on SBW are friendly and welcoming. It's hard to be sick, but with SBW it gets a little bit easier. You can talk freely about your illness without fear of being judged. People can share their experiences with different procedures and medications and help others through their journey.

Hi! My name is Carole and I am a member of Starlight Children's Foundation's online community, Starbright World! As a child, I was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I became involved with Starlight at a young age and was introduced to Starbright World by the time I was twelve. As I transitioned into my adolescent years, I found myself connecting with other members who empathized with the struggles of being a teenager with a disability. Through this mutual understanding and tight knit community, I was able to grow and assume a leadership position among my peers online. Almost a decade later, I am still involved with Starbright World. I enjoy mentoring and engaging with the younger members, encouraging them to seek education, adventure, and independence. I am currently studying The University of Arizona and I am majoring in English, Creative Writing, and Psychology. I attribute many of my leadership skills and ability to empathize with others as a result of Starbright World! I love this community!

Srarlight and Starbightworld has been a huge blessing in my life. When i joined, I was in a deep depression due to my health problems. And they helped me overcome and find purpose in life again. They continue to encourage me to keep up with my treatments and give support in my weird situations. Thank you all!!

I joined Starlight Children's Foundation through their program, Starbright World. Through Starbright World, I made an incredible network of friends, who could always relate to my everyday health issues and be there to support me. Even though I was only a member of Starbright World for a year or so, I gained so much confidence in learned that I was not alone in my everyday struggles. When I turned 21, and Starbright World asked me to be a volunteer, I felt so honored because I feel like I owe so much to the program for what they have done for me in the short time I was a member. As a volunteer, I love being able to give back to the organization that has literally changed my life, and helped form me into the woman I am today. Starlight and Starbright World give so much effort to caring personally for each child who reaches out to them, and I feel like that is what makes this foundation so special and amazing.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Foundation! Starlight has helped My Family in so many different ways, there are to many words that express how I feel about them. They have been a Heaven Sent to us. My Family always looks forward to their events for great times and to be able to have some Fun with other families going thru thing just like us. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!

The Starlight Children's Foundation has done more for me than I ever thought possible. They have helped me become the person I am today by accepting me openly even with my disease. It has been very challenging ,yet, heart warming to be part of such a community in such a difficult point in my life. I am so fortunate to have them and the opportunity to give back to them, after all they did for me.

Starlight has been a wonderful organization. I have a daughter with multiple disabilities and she has been involved in the great escapes program. For years, we used to go to so many outings. We were able to go to the zoo, world aquarium, a musical, etc. We would go to a fabulous Christmas party. We looked so forward to these events. Because of the expenses of having a special needs child, we don't get to go to these places. Starlight gave us that opportunity. My daughter would get so excited about these activities. It was fun because we were able to go to places we had never been and experience these events with families just like us. Unfortunately, there have not been any escapes since last September. We sure miss them.

We are a FB group called Michael's Circle of Love. We are a group of Michael Jackson fans that want to continue his legacy of sending Love and Healing to the World, especially children. We were looking for an extension of our group for Charitable work, following Michael's example. We learned that Starlight Children's foundation was one of the many Charities he supported in his lifetime. We learned the purpose of Starlight was to give children and their families in hospitals some joy and happiness. Michael knew that this was essential to healing. In every city around the world where Michael had a concert, he made sure to include a visit to a hospital or orphanage to bring toys and purchace any equipment they might need. He would spend hours visiting the children just to make them happy. We love the fun stations that are provided for the children to play video games and watch movies or cartoons, some of Michael's favorite things.

I first became aware of this Org. in 2002 when my cousin aged 2 was diagnosed with Cancer. His hospital stays were long and frequent but Starlight made those visits fun with their Fun-Centers, clowns and overall cheer.

Over the years, I am proud to see the Org. grow, and see more fun-centers and trips planned. This organization was pivotal to my cousins happiness and to so many still suffering from illness.

I can't say enough great things about this amazing foundation. My family and I got involved with it a few years back. My brother is a cancer survivor and while he was sick we never had any fun. This foundation let us be a family again, it let us have fun together. It truly brought back a light in our family that was lost the day my brother was diagnosed. It makes sense why it's called the Starlight Foundation it's because they literally light up whom ever they're serving. The great escapes gave our family an escape and we were finally happy again. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of such a great foundation. I'm ever starting a club at my college to give back charities that have helped my family throughout this experience and Starlight is definitely on that list of charities I want to help. I've just been so inspired to do big things thanks to the Starlight Foundation. It will always be a part of my life and in my heart.

This charity is absolutely amazing! I have done sponsorships for you and am currently doing one again! You are a true team who are willing to do anything and i applaud you.

This charity is an amazing Oginization for all man kind. This charity makes kids and family feel like people other than family and friends care about them. I am one of many people who 100% support this charity. The staff that runs this charity should be very proud of themselves for making kids who might be different then others feel special in every way.

I have been involved with this organization since around 2007, and have quite benefited from their programs. Most notably the online website and chat room: Starbright World. This website allowed me to speak to many other children going through the same and similar things as myself.

I have been part of the starlight foundation for nearly 4 years. My brother became a member of Livewire and then asked me to join as a ‘sibling.’ Since then he has been granted a wish where he got a brand new TV and other technological goods that any 17 year old boy would love. Last year Livewire joined the Starbright World chat room and now we talk to people from America and Canada. Such a great organisation bringing so many smiles to so many faces.

Our family has been part of the Starlight Starbright Foundation since about 2004. They have put many smiles on my son's face and gave him things that I could not ever give him myself. In my son's memory, who is now an Angel in Heaven since 2009, would have wanted me to say how much he loved Starlight!

Our family has been part of the Starlight foundation on behalf of my son since 2010, and this organization is truly amazing. They give our children opportunities to attend so many wonderful events that meet other great families with similar situations and it makes it nice to know that you're not alone. Thank you Starlight Foundation for all the wonderful things you do for our families!

Starlight is great! My family has been apart of the Starlight program ever since 2001 and Starlight has been nothing but great to us! We are so thankful to be apart of such a great organization! Thank You, Starllight!

My daughter has been a Starlight Child since 2000! She and her family have been invited to and exposed to so many well planned and staffed "Great Escape Events" through the years! We have met many Starlight Children and their families too. It's been a welcomed site in our household, to receive an invitation, respond, and then be greeted by the smiles of Starlight staff and volunteers, at these events. My daughter then looks to see who will "show up" as the "Star Power Ambassadors" for the day. We cherise the many memories and friends we have made over the years. Seeing her enjoy fun, creative, happy times, eat great food, and learn what it means to give back, continues to be an AWESOME learning experience for her and her family. Starlight understands that the entire family is involved with the child's life, and has included them in planning events! THANK YOU, STARLIGHT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION!

Starlight is a truly amazing organization to be part of. Our family has had the opportunity to do so many wonderful events that we wouldn't have been able to do ourselves! They offer Starlight children and their siblings back " the sheer bliss of innocence and excitement" that was tragically taken from them. I will always cherish these memories they have given so graciously to us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Starlight has give my family and child the opportunity to get out and get to know other family's in a caring and nurturing environment. We love how the staff goes beyond their call of duty. Thank you starlight for allowing my family a fun escape.

Ask any kid with a chronic illness what they would change about their life, if they could. The most common answer? To be normal. While there is no magic wand to make us normal, there is Starlight, and they come pretty close. Starlight offers events for chronically ill children and their families that help them forget about their sickness, doctors visits, treatment, and be able to be a normal family again. I love going to Starlight events because it gives my family and I an opportunity to bond over and share an experience outside of the realm of hospitals and sickness. It is something we can look back on and remember that, even though I was sick at the time, we were still able to enjoy being a family once in a while. Being in the hospital, you miss out on a lot of simple, normal things, like school dances or sports games. Starlight makes up for all of that by offering fun activities that appeal to every kid, no matter age or gender. Starlight it truly an amazing organization that has changed our lives, and for that my family and I will always be grateful.

Starlight Children's Foundation is absolutely amazing. We have been involved with this organization since July 2010. My daughter looks forward to each event and thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to experience the variety of outings. We wholeheartedly appreciate all the generous donations and efforts that go into these events. My daughter feels a sense of relief and is at total peace when she is able to create and forget about the ordeal she has gone through during treatment. Thank you Starlight from the bottoms of our hearts!!!

We have been a member of Starlight for almost 4 years now. Our son is our Starlight child. It has been a most welcome foundation for us. We are able to go out and do things we normally would not. It is hard for a lot of patients and their families to be "normal" just for once. Starlight makes this possible with their great escapes. You get to meet other families, although, some medical conditions are much different than the one we are dealing with, we (the kids and parents) are all the same. We just want to have a good day and have some fun for once. Thank you Starlight and your sponsors. Without you, our fun and adventures would not be possible. Such a great organization!

We are with Starlight since 2008 when my daugether was diagnostic with ALL leukemia.The organization make us feel welcome in many nice events with we pafrticipate made our family confortable and have fun without think in hospital and others things...Thank you so much to be a great foundation help and giving good times for our family..Silvia Todesco

We've been a part of the starlight family for over five years now. They are such a great escape for families. To be able to escape the world of hospitals, doctors and treatments is such a big deal for the whole family. Even after the struggle with cancer sent our sweet angel to heaven, Starlight kept us as part of their family. I think Starlight will never truly know how much they've done for our family. Thank you from the bottom of out hearts.

We have just recently become involved with this group and are already glad we have. They are all very warm and helpful. My granddaughter has a condition she will live with the rest of her life but their generosity and caring will help make her and the families lives less stressful and the events they host are great, cant thank them and their donors enough, thanks for caring

I have been involved with Starlight for many years. I think their programs both in the hospital and through Great Escapes are amazing. The in-hospital programs with the Fun Centers bring hours of joy to kids who are suffering from serious illnesses - it really helps to take their minds off of the struggles even if only for a little while. The Starbright World network is also amazing as it helps kids find other kids who are going through the same illnesses as they are - really helps them to not feel alone in their struggles. And the Great Escapes are truly wonderful opportunities for the whole family to enjoy really great entertainment together and feel "normal" for the day. It's also a great opportunity for the families and kids to meet other families and kids going through similar things. And it's fantastic that it's for all the siblings too who tend to get overlooked sometimes as the parents have to spend so much time taking care of their sick sibling. This organization is all around fantastic.

Starlight is a great organization with a group of people that are so dedicated and interested in the joy they provide to children with serious illnesses. The Starlight team is a group that includes siblings as they are impacted by the severity of the illness and situation too, but often overlooked. Thank you Starlight, from the father and family of a Survivor.

Starlight is an amazing organization, they help so many children around the world and the family's who struggle having to deal with life threatening illness , they bring smiles to so many, over the last 25 years I have been so proud to be a volunteer for such a wonderful non profit, and all the people and major companies who donate to help all of these family's no matter what language is spoken, no dream or wish at the time wasn't fulfilled.I wish to say Thank you to all the people who have helped Starlight achieve the goal of giving to those who are so in need.I feel very blessed to continue to support Starlight when ever I can Winter-wonderland at CBS studios is next

I am so happy and proud to be apart of and volunteering for the Starlight Children's Foundation. I started out as a member of this organization benefiting through their online Social Network known as "Starbright World." Now, I am more than grateful to be giving back to them. Through Starbright World, Teenagers come on and escape the realities of the constant pains of their serious illnesses and conditions. This wonderful place is an virtual world that Teens can log onto, find, talk to, & relate both with their Serious Illnesses & Conditions and common interests that hold them together and the pains of what they go through daily thanks to the likes & vision of Steven Spielberg. I have met so many people, I am proud to have journey along with and see how they have held their own through their illnesses to reach their dreams, but yet be close by them to encourage them to look through the challenges and see all the positives that are within their reach if they keep their head held high while in the Hospital Bed, just like I have.

As I said Earlier, once as a user myself and now a volunteer, Starbright World has everyday given me a place to share who I am, what I have done, and what I can do through all the surgeries I have faced with my Hydrocephalus. Today, I am proud to be giving back to this wonderful program and organization as a Volunteer Chat Host, encouraging Starbrighters to keep their head held high and keep battling through all the challenges of their Illnesses, as once did the many Hosts and Best Friends I have now did for me way back then. It is thanks to Starbright World & Starlight Children's Foundation that I a place to know that I am not alone when it comes to having the difficulties I face with my Condition and yet feeling a sense of satisfaction because they taught me that I am not alone and I am happy to be sharing that same feeling as a volunteer with new members coming on through this program.

Starlight became part of our life last year. Our son has been in and out of the hospital since he was born. The crazy thing is that to look at him you would not know. After another surgery, a wheelchair, and having to move into a house that would work for him, we were in shock. It is an amazing feeling to look accross the room, and although the family may not be dealing with the same diagnosis they understand our world. Starlight make this possible. We don't get out much and when we do our son is a lot of work. It is refreshing to attend an event where not only we as parents feel like one of the crowd, but so does our son. We have met the most amazing volunteers and other Starlight families through our journey. It is amazing for a foundation to care enough to allow families to gather for events which we would never normally be able to go to, and walk through a crowd with a group of families. I know that we cannot change what is going on medically with our son, but we now have a Starlight family who truly understands what our life is like. Thank you for all you do!!

Starlight Children's Foundation has been an amazing part of our journey with our youngest daughter, Sami. She has so many medical challenges everyday and tires easily. Having an EVENT to look forward to with Startlight offers her an amazing distraction and we love to hear her excitement. The events also have given us some amazing "family time" together and allows our whole family to focus on our blessings amidst the challenges. The staff members are incredibly kind and caring. They always make sure everyone is involved in the fun in some way!

So just imagine the loneliness and sadness you feel when you have a child afflicted with a special need. You can become withdrawn from society and others. Well Starlight has prevented this from happening with our family. We have 3 kids one of which has a chromosome abnormality that there are no other documented cases of. This organization allows us to experience events that we would not other wise experience. All the kids can participate and we have been lucky to receive fun giveaways at the events...my 9 year old daughter loves that when she is having a hard time she can wrap herself in all the pillow pets she has gotten as giveaways and she loves it. We have attended Christmas events, padres games, animal adventures, water park type events, pumpkin patch, and so much more always with great memories following us home. Thank you Starlight! You will always be top in our family!

Starlight Foundation has done wonders for my Daughter Kyleigh, the excitement in her eyes when i tell her about an event is wonderful. The children have a blast with everything Starlight has done for them, and the staff is AMAZING!!!! THANK YOU STARLIGHT!!!!!!

My daughter, her family and I were just invited to join the Starlight foundation. It has already been a wonderful experience. I spent nearly 2 years going to surgeries, cardiologist appointments and regular dr. visits for my 2 year and 7 month old girl. This has taken away the time we would of used for cultural events. Along with the fact that my daughter's heart surgeries and care have strained me financial, time off work for months and such, this is a wonderful organization. We are truly thankful for this Non-Profit group. Sincerely, Brandy Wirtz

I have been a part of Starlight as a child and love this organization. They not only help kids adjust to being diagnosed, but they prove that they are not alone. Whether they meet someone with their own illness or someone they can relate to. starlight touches many hearts through their aim of bettering kids lives. I have met many wonderful friends who have helped me through many transitions in life. I feel so lucky that I have had the opportunity to be a part of this organization. Even though my role on their website will end in a month, I will always cherish the people that have touched my life there. When my Crohn's disease repeatedly hit me, I knew I would always have someone to relate to me there, and when mental health hit even harder, I got a shoulder to cry on. They have truly made my life better.

The Starlight Children's Foundation was a bright light for my whole family during and since my son went through a second bout of treatment for a childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma, I feel very fortunate that we have such a great organization for families going through a difficult time by bringing some joy.

This organization is wonderful! Having a child with special needs can sometimes be overwhelming, sometimes you are so busy with that child that your other children do not get that extra time with you. The Starlight Foundation is geared towards families and allows all of us to partake in activities as a family. This is so important to us parents that they give us that gift!

Thank you Starlight for all the wonderful moments you have brought to our family during our difficult times. We are very thankful to be part of such a wonderful program that cares about others. May you continue to brighten many childrens lives...Marquez Family!

There are many organizations that support families while their child is in cancer treatment. We are fortunate to have been touched by many of them. Starlight has been one of our favorites, because it focuses on honoring the whole family having fun together. We've enjoyed some really wonderful experiences together-among our favorites were hanging out with the Harlem Globetrotters, exploring at the Cal Science Center and meeting the creators at Disney Online Studios. Starlight is one bright spot in our journey to wellness.

I have been involved with Starlight since I was really young and it has helped me in hospital and to cope with my physical disability.

i first found out of starlight after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. i had received a coloring book and in the back it had websites for children and their siblings to help them cope. i was on the Starlight website when i came across a website for an online community called Starbright World. through the on line community i met other people that were able to understand what i go through, and they helped me find ways to cope with something new. if it wasn't for starlight children's foundation i wouldn't have met so many of my friend wouldn't even know them. i love starlight and what they do for us. they are truely a great foundation, and they make soo manythings possible for us. i would recommend it to anyone who could use their help

I joined Starbright World - a program of Starlight Children's Foundation and online community for teens with chronic illnesses - at seventeen, three years past my diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. I honestly wish I'd joined sooner - Starlight has given me the greatest gift through Starbright World. I have met friends around the world who inspire me daily, I have been given opportunities to find my voice, and I have been introduced to the most fabulous mentors through the hosts who keep Starbright World a safe and fun community for all. I love that I can log into IM and immediately have the chance to engage with other teens who understand what it's like to live in and out of the chronic illness world as a teenager.

I was connected with Starlight Foundation when I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in May 2012. I was given many resources and even offered a space to blog on the Huffington Post. The kindness and generosity shown to me by Starlight was heartwarming and extremely helpful in helping me overcome a lot of the emotional obstacles that came with my diagnosis. The blog has been an incredible outlet for me to express my feelings on my experiences with cancer as well as articulate what I have learned from the ordeal. I think that Starlight is an inspiring foundation. The work they do for children and adolescents is phenomenal and admirable. I am very thankful for what they have done for me and for others. Thank you Starlight!

I was SO HAPPY to find Starlight when I did! I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and no one could understand what I was going thru at all. I was totally depressed and felt miserable all the time. Most of my friends at school were nice to me but totally didn't get it and some of them even thought I was contagious and wouldn't even talk to me anymore (crohns is NOT contagious) . When I found Starbright World (a website run by Starlight for high school aged kids ) i was able to meet other people who were sick like me. I made friends the FIRST DAY I logged into the chat room and felt like EVERYONE got me right away. I feel like this is my second home and even tho I have not met my SBW friends in person, I feel closer to them than some of my in person friends. I dont know what I would do without it!

When our son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, there weren't a lot of positives to it needless to say. But, the activities we have been able to participate in with Starlight have been so much fun and have made a hard situation better.

What an amazing organization! Truly dedicated to children. Im beyond convinced of their capabilities and will continue to be a donor.

Starlights events have inspired my daughter to make new friends and see new things, after her diagnosis in 2006 from cancer, she was very reserved and a little angry, her focus was on how she was feeling, after the first few events I started to see a change, her esteem was building, and she was seeing familiar faces from the hospital, it encouraged her to make plans even, I am very grateful to this foundation for bringing smiles and happiness back into my daughter and the rest of my family.

My son has serious health problems which impact our whole family on a daily basis. We are constantlyat the hospitalor drs appointments and he has to be homeschooled. I have had to quit my job to be homme for him so we live on a fixed disability income. as a single parent iam just making ends meet but there are no extras for my kids. starlight has provided many events including granting my sons wish a trip to disneyworld for the family and many concderts, sporting events and seasonal parties with other families that share similar experiennces. They even have their own xmas toy shop where i was able to pick out some toys and stocking stuffers for my kids. Since joining startlight our family feels truly blessed rather than cursed by my sons illness. If he were well we would not have met all of the wonderful starlight staff and famillies and got to attend all of the functions. they deserve an award for providing joy to famillies where little joy existed before. I am eternally grateful to them.

Starlight is an amazing organization with uplifting family stories and people who work tirelessly for the cause. Thank you to all the hospitals and all the health care workers making a difference everyday.

I have seen first hand how this great organization has helped so many children and their families. Starlight Childrens Foundation is truly dedicated to these children in desperate need of happiness in a time when its needed most. God Bless you Starlight for always keeping the children your number one priority!

As a volunteer with Starlight Florida, I have experienced the joy and enthusiasm among the children with my company, Broward Sheriff's Office, Great Escape. Starlight is a great organization, and I look forward in continuing our partnership with them.

Being a parent of a child with the sickle cell anemia disease, I know, first hand, all the emotional stressors, which can be associated with the disease for both the child and the family . To that end, the Starlight Children's Foundation of Florida -through its different activities, one of which is the Great Escape, has helped alleviate some of the daily stressors, by giving an opportunity to the entire family to share some quality time together and with other families. This sharing/learning time is very therapeutic. The hands-on activities for the children, the food, the gifts, etc., have made Great Escape even funnier.
I am very appreciative and grateful for such an organization for being there not only for the children with chronic health issues, but for their families as well.

Daniel was born almost 8 weeks early. We waited to see what if any complications were to follow. He suffered many hospitalizations in the first year of life that we didn't even remember we had a real house to go home to. As the next few years went by we spent more time in doctors offices and therapy centers to provide him with the best quality of life as possible. Then we found out that he suffered a tramitic brain injury somewhere in the first year of life. We shifted gears over the next several years to continue our efforts on doing what was best for him but we started to forget about ourselves and what we needed. Our other two kids were always put on the back burner becuase we had to get their brother to a doctors appt or therapy appt. When Daniel was about 7 we were introduced to the Starlight Family. OUr first outing was to the circus. We hadn't been in years. We all had a great time and for the first time in a long time we heard all 3 kids laughing and having a good time. We knew that wihout Starlight we would not have made the time. We also didn't have to worry about how to pay for this as they covered everything so that we could attend. We no longer had to make a choice about to go out as a family or pay for extra medications or therapies. Starlight has always stepped in when we needed it the most. When the stress at home from the day to day struggles get to be so much that you just have to shift gears and enjoy each other. The great escapes and day brightners have proivded our family with opportunities that we could not have done without their support. They have become part of our family that we will never forget about.

We are so thankful for Starlight for all that they do for us with the Great Escapes that we have attended so far.

Without them we may not have as much closeness as a family that we have now. We can come home and talk about what a wonderful time we had together, with work and school we only have but so much time to spend together so we are very grateful.

From the bottom of our hearts we say THANK YOU!

Our family received a devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer almost 4 years ago that completely changed our lives. We lost income, freedom and the "normalcy" we once enjoyed as a family. Slowly we began to adjust to our "new normal" that included caring for our young daughter as she fought for her life. We had no energy, nor the means to plan activities or excursions for our family of 5. We learned of Starlight Children's Foundation through a cancer wellness center in our area. Starlight made it possible for us to enjoy family time again...time to reconnect...time to forget about childhood cancer for a while...time to experience new people, new places and new friends. Starlight's Great Escapes and Day Brighteners are aptly named; we have experienced both - a time to escape the realities of childhood cancer and days full of brightness...THANKS Starlight!!

Last year I expounded on my personal most favorite thing about Starlight which was the inclusion of the Starlight Child's siblings and family in events. The events then become a family affair rather than all about the "sick kid". It brings families together to help each other, everyone gets a fun outing and all the children get to share in the fun.

This was never more important than this year when one of our Starlight Children lost her battle with a very aggressive cancer. She made it to our event the previous month, weak but glad to be there. When she passed, her family specifically scheduled her Celebration of Life so it wouldn't conflict with any Starlight events. Starlight had meant so much to them while their daughter was alive and they didn't want to create a tough choice for the other families ie: her service or a Starlight event to help their own kids. That's how important Starlight was to the family. I couldn't say it any better than thru their sacrifice.

Starlight Children's Foundation like so many other non-profits in this tough economy, really needs the support of America to continue to provide the programs that bring something so special to our kids. Joy. We can't live without that can we?

Thank you for your support!

Christy Hertsch

Hi, my name is Irene meyers I have a 16 year old daughter just last year was diagnosed with crohn's disease i or my family never heard this disease shes been hospitalized 3 times and had 3 colon oscopy a endoscopy 2 times numerous blood work done and this december had to get a endoscopy done a chest x ray blood work ultrasound on her chest because they found she had a infection of her lungs because she was taking steroids for her crohn's wich caused her infection. she also had mono ontop of everything else and a enlarge spllen this all happened at same time in december. we dont get any help threw government we make to much monety how when i'm still paying for previous medical bills from last december well anyway Starlight foundation has helped my family. to forget about our problems and enjoy our time together as a family Thank you the meyers family.

Starlight has changed our quality of life. Thanks to Starlight Greatescapes Progam we have had the opportunity to attend wonderful, fun filled local events free of cost! Thank you starlight for all that you do!

After our son was diagnosed with cancer at age 9 we heard about Starlight. Our family is so grateful for the events and how Starlight includes all the siblings in everything they do. Thank you Starlight!

Starlight gives these sick children a chance at "normal" events and things regular children do. My son enjoys every event we have been a part of.

I am mother of a daughter with a Primary Immune Deficiency Disorder. Her first Great Escape was in May 2011 and we went to a Mother Daughter Princess Tea. My daughter spends a lot of her life in a hospital room to receive treatments that keep her alive. That in May of the Tea I will probably always remember as a mother. My daughter did not stop smiling the entire time. All the people there went above and beyond to make sure that my daughter and I were having a great time. My little princess that is 3 1/2 still talks about that day all the time. She created happy memories and had quality time with her mother. This day is absolutely priceless. Words cannot how thankful I am for the Great Escape Program.

My son Jorden has Bilaterl Polymicrogyria. Starlight NW has allowed him to do things that he normally would not be able to do because of his condition and also because of the financial strain on our family. Starlight has allowed our family to enjoy events as a family. Whether it is events like going to see Elmo or Trick or suite for Halloween. These past two years have been really hard for my family as my wife has been dealing with many medical issues herself. This has made the financial strain even herder as I am the sole provider and had to take alot of time off to help take care of Jorden. So when christmas came around this last year we did not have much to make a Christmas for our four kids. Starlight helped out to make our Christmas better. We also had an unknown person who heard about our situation through somebody assocaited through Starlight sponsor us for Christmas. Starlight foundation has made it so much easier for us to enjoy ourselves and for Jorden to enjoy freindship and be as normal as he can be. Jorden has spent alot of time in the hospital and with the help of Erin Behen director for Starlight NW he has been able to have things to play with and not be bored with just me being in his room. It made his stays in the hospital easier for both of us.

My son was born with a life threatening immune deficiency. Our lives are not what one would consider "normal" in getting to do lots of activities outside of our home. One reason for this is purely medical, however, the other major constraint is financial. Starlight has given my son and our family many fun "great escapes" to participate in over the years. We have been able to attend the Aquarium, The Rangers baseball game, Six Flags Holiday in the Park, The Ice Show, the rodeo, parties, and most recently, we were able to attend a cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu! My family has been very blessed to get to do these fun outings, as we never would have been able to do so if not for Starlight! My son has really enjoyed every Starlight function we have attended and we are very grateful for their organization!

M y daughter Alexandria has retinoblastoma & lost her left eye to cancer. She LOVES going to the Broward Arts Center, in her words "to go to the theater" (yes, she is 3 years old).
Starlight has made sure that she can forget the MRI's EUA's and prosthetic eye appointments with the "theater". It is our special girl time to get dressed up & go to a show.
Thank you Starlight because I would not be able to afford this luxury with all of her other medical bills.

As a Board member and a volunteer with Starlight Canada, I have experienced first hand the emotion of joy for a group of kids when I joined them on a plane on the way to the North Pole.

Giving back is something that I enjoy doing all my life and in most cases I get more reward out of that the families we serve would know. We have fulfilled over 100 wishes in the past 10 years and delivered many fund centers to hospitals because of the generosity of many of our corporate sponsorships. this is the essence of Starlight Children's Foundation.

I continue to be amazed by the strength of many of the children and families that we serve. They are the reason I am involved and will continue to be a part of the Starlight Family in the US and in Canada.

Attending a Starlight event can be an eye-opening experience. Unless you have been involved directly on a day to day basis with a chronically ill child and family, it is hard to imagine the sacrifices every family member makes every day. No day is a given, no day has a set schedule. Starlight progams and Starbrightworld help the children and their families escape, for a few moments, the anxiety, stress and pain that they feel every day.

I have given to the Starlight Foundation because my best friend has medically involved children and I have seen first hand the way Starlight's help has changed their lives. The kids get to have so many adventures thanks to Starlight's help. I know it also helps my friend to better deal with the difficulties she and her children face when she gets to see how happy they are when participating in a Starlight event. Thank you, Starlight!

Starlight has changed the quality of our family life. Our 6 year old daughter has a severe brain-injury. We also have an eight year old son who is a wonderful big brother. Thanks to Starlight we have had the opportunity to attend venues we could never plan or afford. Starlight has given us the gift of attending a Miami Heat game together, Iceskating, Mini horse farm and many other parties planned and organized by the staff and volunteers. Everyone is so kind, comapssionate and loving. thank you for providing such beautiful times for our family to escape from our everyday routines of medical treatments and therapies.

Starlight Children's foundation has been so great to our family. My Daughter has a spinal cord defect and has had to have numerous back and leg surgeries. She was also diagnosed with Leukemia. When Katie was inpatient for days on end, she was entertained by a game system provided by starlight. The playroom was loaded with board games that were donated by starlight. On days that were miserable playing games would distract her from her pain and help her in healing faster. We were hooked up with starlight through the child life specialist at our hospital. After signing up our whole family was invited to participate in events. These events were so much fun for the kids, they made them all feel special. They were around other kids and their families that have gone through different kinds of health trials and these kids all connect and feel a great bond. Without Starlight this would not be possible. One of my daughters favorite events when they treated a bunch of girls and their mothers to a day spa. The girls were treated like queens for the day and it didn't matter if you were in a wheel chair or you were bald all the kids were treated to a special day. They even rode in a limo that day! My daughter will have those special memories forever. My family enjoys getting to do Starlight events, and it really makes my kids feel special. These are events that with all the stress and medical bills my kids would not be able to do. My kids are getting a great opportunity and Starlight makes this possible and I am truly thankful!

I think everyone wants to see their children happy whether they have an illness or not. Too often, the burden of caring for a sick child can break up a family unit. I love volunteering for the monthly "Great Escape" outings with the Starlight Children's Foundation, because it just lets the whole family be happy together AND...that makes me happy too! The recent CPK sponsored Kids Camp for Starlight families did not disapoint. From the moment the families entered you could see the excitement on their smiling faces. Everyone bonded from 3 year olds to 60 year olds - family members and volunteers alike. I can't tell you how many family members came up to me to say thank-you! The genuine caring that the Starlight Children's Foundation staff and volunteers project is a wonder to behold. Just makes you want to keep volunteering.

I first learned of Starlight through my job working with children who have special medical needs. I referred a family to Starlight and after hearing what a great experience they had, I immediately began referring all of my eligible families! Even knowing of about the Great Escapes Program for the last couple of years, I had no idea about Starlight's other programs until I began to read more about the orginazation through Facebook. This organization is truly amazing and provides much needed services. Everyday there is a child who is made to feel different due to their special need and it is so wonderful to hear their stories about their Starlight adventures and see the smiles on their faces! I just wish all of my families were eligible to participate! Keep up the great work, Starlight!

I have been involved for over 8 years as both a fund raiser and volunteer. During that time I have been involved in the placement of "Fun Centers throughout south Florida. The children in these hospitals upon being introduced to these centers, smile ear to ear and immeadiately become emersed in the games on the center. I leave those hospitals knowing that the children I met and the hundreds that will follow have for the moment left their illness behind and just enjoyed being a kid, with worries gone for that time.

my son Jack, now age 10, was diagnosed with late stage x-ALD (remember the movie Lorenzo's Oil?) in august 2008 after months of symptoms. we took him to U of Minnesota for a bone marrow transplant after flying in his older brother from his Marine Corps base. despite the successful transplant, he still went blind, deaf, lost all abilities except to breathe. HOWEVER he has regained most of that now with time and therapy and enjoys the starlight events where every effort is made for children with special needs. we go to the california pizza kitchen event every year, today we are going to it. we spent 7 months in minnesota and went to starlight events there as well. thank you for giving us this opportunity. we tell him its "camp" and it brightens his day alot. the staff who work these events are amazingly kind and patient and thougtful.

My family recently just began with Starlight Great Escapes program. My yopungest is 9 and has been dealing with a rare chronic disease since birth. We must travelk to National Institute of Health evey 3-5 months for treatment. She also has many appts with doc's every month. She also misses more school than she is at. She has the a vocabulary that no child should ever have to have. BUT when we are at a Starlight event ITS OK! SHe has been able to meet other kids also delaing with to many docs etc! We recently went to the CPKIDS Camp, it is an afternoon of arts&crafts;, lunch, field day like activites etc. At one point me and several other moms looked around and one mom said 'look at them all playing together' THATS WHAT MAKE STARLIGHT SO SPECIAL! THE KIDS FEEL SAFE AND "NORMAL" Our lives are surronded by medical and struggles, STARLIGHT gives us LIFE AND JOY!