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We help seriously ill children
and their families cope with their pain, fear
and isolation through entertainment,
education and family activities.
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DEAR STARLIGHT...
 When two-and-a-half-year-old Riley was diagnosed with leukemia, her and her family’s life became a terrifying series of long hospital visits. “She had surgery to insert the catheter to receive chemotherapy, and chemo began,” Riley’s mother said. “That first time, we were in the hospital for two weeks and back for regular chemo treatments for years. Sometimes the hospital felt more like our home than our real home. I’d have to say that one of the hardest things for me to deal with were the anguished looks we’d get from strangers. When you’re walking around with a bald child, people can’t help but look and feel a sense of empathy.
I remember our first Starlight Great Escape was a pizza party — there were clowns and all sorts of activities — but the best part was that the kids got to make their own pizzas. I remember feeling so grateful that my child was getting to have this special experience that she wouldn’t have otherwise enjoyed, and feeling equally grateful that we didn’t get that anguished look from anyone that afternoon — because everyone there was going through something similar.”
Read more Starlight family stories.
Find out about our programs, and Great Escapes.
Learn how you can become a part of the Starlight family by making a donation.
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IN THE NEWS
Starlight and Nintendo Unveil New Fun Center Featuring the Wii™
 Determined to help lift the spirits of seriously ill children and their families, Nintendo of America has been one of Starlight’s most dedicated corporate partners for 16 years. The portable Fun Centers, now featuring the hottest gaming technology – the Wii – will be enjoyed by more hospitalized kids.
The new Fun Centers feature a Sharp AQUOS™ flat-screen television, a DVD player, a Wii system and a selection of 22 fun Wii games. Fun Centers were created specifically to offer children an entertaining respite during difficult hospital stays.
To help mark the introduction of the new Fun Centers, a special launch event is being held at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles on June 25, featuring appearances by child star Allen Alvarado and video game icon Mario™. Allen Alvarado has had personal experience with Fun Centers, which kept him company and aided in his recovery from a recent automobile accident, when he was hospitalized for several weeks at Childrens Hospital.
“Our patients at Childrens Hospital benefit greatly from the Fun Centers,” said Linda Garcia, Manager, Child Development Services, for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. “The Fun Centers serve as a diversional tool for Child Life Specialists to provide to patients and families in the playrooms, at bedside and throughout the hospital, including medical units, clinics and waiting rooms. The Fun Centers promote socialization, mastery and fun. Through this play, children learn about cooperation, positive thinking and problem-solving skills. The Fun Centers also provide opportunities for hand strengthening and finger dexterity, an important therapeutic value for our patients undergoing physical rehabilitation.” Read the full press release.
Learn more about Fun Centers; click here to sponsor a Fun Center.
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 Starlight meets the comprehensive standards established by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The Alliance evaluates charities' finances, governance, fund raising practices, solicitations and informational materials, and spending practices.
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