--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -"Meet my daughter Emilith who is now eight (her photo's are below/left-hand side of page with other Starlight photo's - she's enjoying a concert.) Emilith's ENT has been talking about removing her trach. Last eight years has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Even what may seem simple to some having her trach finally removed is exciting but scarry as well. We are so used to it; she hasn't known anything different and it has always been an open dependable airway. So the idea of not having the trach is both exciting (YEAH swimming) and then it also means a longer stay at the hospital after surgery for observation to make sure she is breathing fine. We discussed the trach coming out before summer, then we agreed to wait until summer. To make sure the trach does not have to be placed again the doctor has seen Emilith almost every week this summer vacation! We don't make much of summer vacation plans due to scheduling of all her surgeries. These Starlight Great Escape events are exciting and creative ways to forget about the next surgery coming up and just have a good time. BTY, one of Emilith's goals in life is to become a rock star … thank you so much for inviting us to an amazing evening at the Demi Lovato and David Archuleta concert. We appreciate and cherish everything you all have done for Emilith and I. Emilith enjoyed every minute of it! So did I, she sang every song with Demi, she danced and jumped; she had a rock star evening. Emilith spends a lot of time at home dancing and singing. Thank you so much again; we LOVE to experience the Starlight Great Escape events…thanks for the unforgettable happy moments!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ana experienced firsthand the heartbreak and anguish of seeing her child fight an uphill battle and come face to face with her greatest fears each and every day. And then she saw the transformation that occurs when Starlight gets involved.
Our Mission is Simple, But Powerful
Starlight exists to help seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. With help from you, we help very sick kids focus on smiles instead of struggles, laughter instead of worries.
You can take away the pain, the anxiety, the isolation, and replace them with fun, excitement, and wonder.
Starlight programs provide sponsors with a way to help sick kids focus on things outside of their immediate circumstances and provide families with an outlet for dealing with and managing the illness. Through the FunCenter, PC Pal, and Great Escape programs, Starlight kids and families connect with others so they no longer feel alone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you know?
- Last year Starlight Arizona touched the lives of more than 50,000 children and their families
- Starlight Arizona an active partnership with 17 hospitals
- Starlight has placed 89 FunCenters and 38 PC Pals in Arizona hospitals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join Our Summer and Fall Campaign
Our goal is to raise $25,000 by December 31, 2009 through this FirstGiving campaign. That is a big goal, but if we can just get 100 people to each contribute $250, it will brighten the lives of so many kids in need.
We are asking for you to help us raise the funds necessary to sponsor:
- 8 Great Escape events (on avg. 50 individuals/13 families per event)
All of these events will benefit children and their families in Maricopa County.
Great Escapes are fun-filled events coordinated by Starlight for kids and families. These range from ball games to picnics, carnival to spa days, circus/youth-themed entertainment shows to bowling, movie premiers to parties.
Help us brighten their world a little each day
Together, we can change lives for kids and families who desperately need some relief and happiness this summer and fall season. Won’t you join Starlight in giving them a gift that they will never forget? Please make your gift of $250, or whatever you can give, today. Thank you for your support of Starlight and the special kids and families we serve.
Starlight Arizona Slide Show: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39472486@N03/show/