Celebrated Charity Spotlight: Starlight Children’s Foundation

Starlight Children’s Foundation is the celebrated charity of the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Starlight Children’s Foundation Brings Hope – A Mother’s Reflection

Being the mom of a seriously ill child is something that no one can prepare you for. When I was pregnant with my son Finn, the doctors told me he wouldn’t make it to birth. But today, I look up and see a bright, energetic seven-year-old that continues to put a smile on my face no matter what challenges we are facing.

While Finn was my miracle baby, his life has been a battle – he was born with congenital heart disease and has had 18 procedures, two open heart surgeries, and countless appointments, blood draws, medications, and more to keep his little heart healthy. He is my Heart Warrior, bravely persevering through his illness one day at a time.

[Baby Finn in the hospital]

As I reflect in gratitude on Finn’s life, I know that no matter how much time passes, I will never forget sitting in a hospital room and watching him fight for his life. Finn has always been a fighter, and we are lucky to have been surrounded by people that love him and have fought alongside him. From our family and friends, to the nurses, surgeons, and doctors who care for Finn, to organizations like Starlight Children’s Foundation who always gave him reasons to smile — there are so many who have given their all to help him at all stages of his disease. Because of them, Finn still has a chance to be a kid.

After all, sick kids are still just kids. Regardless of Finn’s disease, he still wants to hang out with his brother, meet new friends at school, play on the playground, and just enjoy all of the joys of childhood. Yet, those things are a gift — having a “normal” childhood isn’t so simple for Finn.

He sometimes misses school because of doctor’s appointments, or when our family has to drive across state lines for follow ups at the hospital. We have to be extra cautious about how much he does in a day. He can’t play too hard at recess or run as long as his brother in soccer because his heart isn’t strong enough and he gets tired easily. With all of these challenges, it’s hard to just enjoy being a kid.

I am so thankful that Starlight Children’s Foundation has been there every step of the way to bring Finn a sense of comfort and normalcy. Throughout Finn’s journey, Starlight programs have not only given him opportunities to smile and play, but have also been a warm and comforting presence during some tough times.

Starlight Hospital Gowns continue to provide a soft, colorful alternative to the scratchy hospital gowns that no child feels comfortable wearing. Plus, Starlight Gowns provide better access to Finn’s heart during hospital stays, surgeries, and appointments because they tie down the side with buttons to open each sleeve. This makes procedures more comfortable for Finn and easier for his healthcare team.

[Finn in a Starlight Hospital Gown]

Another one of his favorite Starlight programs is the Radio Flyer Wagon, which gave Finn a place to sleep when he didn’t feel comfortable in a hospital bed. This simple red wagon also offered a unique way to escape the four walls of his hospital room when he wasn’t able to walk — getting to and from his treatment actually became fun!

While I know that Finn’s challenges are not over, I am filled with joy when I see his smile. I am filled with gratitude when I see his doctors and nurses provide him with the best care possible. I am filled with hope when I know Starlight Children’s Foundation’s programs will always be there to support sick kids — and I am filled with peace knowing that generous people, like you, continue to support organizations that deliver happiness to kids like my son.

Starlight Children’s Foundation delivers happiness to seriously ill children and their families. Since 1982, Starlight’s ground-breaking and innovative programs, like Starlight Virtual Reality, Starlight Hospital Wear, and Starlight Gaming, have impacted over 17 million kids at more than 800 children’s hospitals across the U.S. To learn more and to help Starlight deliver happiness, visit www.starlight.org.