Oli was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) when he was just 4 years old and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. His ongoing treatment included speech therapy, hydrotherapy and physical therapy and he was able to regain some function. His family and Captain Starlights were there to support him. He now requires regular visits to Sydney for treatment, but always makes time to visit the Starlight Express ward when he is in hospital.
Oliver’s Choices: The fart thrower from Despicable Me and Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Toy.
“I feel like one of the luckiest kids in the world… All the toys I tried were cool and interactive, but my favorite toy is definitely the Despicable Me Ultimate Fart Blaster, which I can play with with my brothers during the day. vacation’
You can read Oli’s story. here.
Diagnosed with metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, Tom has spent several of his early years in and out of the hospital. Tom loves to spend his time playing with any type of construction toys, especially LEGOS. He also likes cartoon movies and television shows.
Tom chooses: The Bitzee toy and Vtech Kidizoom Duo FX Camera.
‘Being a Playmaker is the best! I love playing with all kinds of toys, but I especially love the Bitzee toy as I can take care of it and it reminds me of the toys I had when I was younger.
You can read Tom’s story. here.
Lucy received the devastating diagnosis of an aggressive type of childhood bone cancer known as Ewing sarcoma at just three years old. Over the next two years, with Mom and Dad by her side, Lucy endured 22 grueling cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. To occupy her time, Lucy loves interacting with dolls and sensory toys.
Lucy’s Choices: The Furby toy, Barbie camper van and Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Set.
You can read Lucy’s story. here.
‘Thank you for making me a Playmaker! I make the best toy tester because I’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital with just toys to play with, so I have a lot of practice. Especially with Barbies! I love Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn because when you pat her, she sparkles. I also love the Furby because it talks to me, in real life!’
Maddie was diagnosed with cancer when she was just two years old and the hospital has been a big part of her life. During treatment, Captain Starlight helped Maddie feel more positive about the hospital and was a welcome distraction for her.
Maddie’s Choices: The Ice Cream Slime Kit and LEGO Simba.
‘Being a Playmaker is the best! I’m really excited because I’m a big toy fan and I like to get dirty. “My favorite toy is the ice cream slime kit because I can make whatever I want.”
You can read Maddie’s story. here.
QLD GAME MAKERS
He was diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and invasive soft tissue cancer behind the right eye, when he was just three years old. Alice’s family was later told that her right eye would have been removed. His family and Captain Starlights were by his side to keep his spirits high.
Alice’s Choices: The Unicorn Academy doll and horse toy and the Barbie dream house.
‘I’m so excited to have been chosen as Amazon’s official game creator and toy tester! I love dolls and colorful toys. My favorite toy is the Unicorn Academy doll and horse because I can brush the horse’s hair.’
You can read Alice’s story. here.
Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor when he was just six years old, Dan’s hospital journey has been consecutive over the past three and a half years, receiving 14 procedures, including three craniotomies since his initial diagnosis in February 2021. , Captain Starlight It helped Dan feel more positive about the hospital and was a welcome distraction for him and his family.
Daniel’s choices: The Beyblade X Xtreme battle set and Vtech Kidizoom Duo FX.
‘Being a Playmaker is so exciting! I like to play with toys because I have the best imagination and I like to set my mind in a new world. My favorite toy has to be the Vtech Kidizoom because it’s the first camera I’ve ever owned and I love being creative.
You can read the story of Daniel. here.
When Elijah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the family’s life was turned upside down. Inside the hospital, unable to receive visitors due to his treatment, he found the joy of Captain Starlight. He loves all things sports and shares his love of cricket with his grandfather and best friend, Graham.
Elijah’s choices: Monster Jam Truck and cricket set.
‘I was very happy when all these toys arrived from Amazon. The Monster Jam truck is my favorite because I can drive it and make it do cool jumps and tricks in the backyard. I’m the best toy tester because I pay attention to every part of the toy.’
You can read the story of Elijah. here.
Dealing with bouts of illness from a young age, Priya’s health worsened when she went into diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening side effect of type 1 diabetes. The transition to managing life with diabetes has been complicated for the family. Priya loves to spend her time playing with Barbies and dolls.
Priya’s Choices: The Ultimate Barbie Doll and Kitchen Playset and the barbie van.
‘It felt very good and exciting when they told me I had been chosen as a Playmaker. My favorite toy is Barbie because she can do whatever she wants. I make the best toy tester because toys make me happy and I can play for hours.’
You can read Priya’s story. here.
Hailey and her family’s lives changed when she was seven months old and suffered diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes. Hailey’s blood sugar levels are now monitored 24/7. week and needs the correct dose of medicine (insulin) every time you eat, which can be up to 20 times a day.
Hailey’s Picks: The stuffed duck and the bitzee toy.
‘Thank you for making me a Playmaker, I’m very excited! It’s the best day when I get to open new toys! My favorite toy is the stuffed duck because it’s soft and I love hugging it.’
You can read Hailey’s story. here.
