Minnesota

Welcome to the Starlight Minnesota page!

Currently in Minnesota, we have ongoing Great Escapes, which are relaxing, fun-filled events provided for Starlight families that allow for time to connect with other families, make new friends, and spend family time together -- outside of the hospital.

The variety of activities offered through Great Escapes is endless: movie screenings, circus trips, harbor cruises, mother-daughter makeovers, sporting events, picnics and more. Starlight and our corporate partners and donors underwrite all event costs to make every Great Escape an "all inclusive" affair, allowing families to relax and enjoy themselves while someone else worries about the details.

To read quotes and stories about Great Escapes in Minnesota,  click here. 

Also, in most locations in Minnesota, pediatric patients and their families have access to Starlight Fun Centers^TM –  mobile entertainment units equipped with a Sharp AQUOS^TM flat screen television, DVD player and a Nintendo Wii^TM gaming system. Fun Centers roll right up to the side of young patients’ beds or anywhere in a hospital setting, making them perfect for hospitalized children in numerous situations: anticipating surgery, during long outpatient clinic treatments, waiting in the emergency room or fighting loneliness after visiting hours have ended.

Starlight has also placed Starlight Sites within Minnesota hospitals. These sites are beautifully designed and inviting hospital environments where pediatric patients can relax, play and interact with other children during their hospital stay.

Outside the hospital, Minnesota families are able to access Starlight's online educational programs that help children and their families learn more about their conditions, understand various medical procedures, and encourage them to communicate with healthcare providers.  Some are geared toward reducing fear and increasing understanding before medical treatment, while others are designed to help children cope with their illnesses over the long term, but each of the programs strives to empower children in the face of their illnesses.

If you would like to help make a difference for children and families, please click here.  Together we can help them cope with their pain, fear and isolation.

We love hearing from you; if you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact us.

• To find out more about our work in Minnesota, please contact Maura Trout at maura.trout@starlight.org or 612.991.4258.
• Click here to visit the Minnesota Great Escapes scrapbook page
• Click here to visit the Minnesota Community Partners' page