From Warehouse to Hospital: The Journey of a Starlight Program

Nov 10th, 2025

Have you ever wondered how Starlight programs end up in kids’ hands at the hospital?

We rely on community support from donors, fundraisers and corporate partners to ensure that our network of over 800 medical facilities has the Starlight programs they need.

Starlight’s warehouse ships programs directly to hospitals.

Once they arrive, the medical team can give them to a child at multiple points of their procedure journey during their hospital stay.

From Warehouse to Hospital

Here’s an example procedure journey developed by one of Starlight’s staff and child life specialists:

Read more about how we evaluate and measure the impact of Starlight programs here.

Impact in Action: Starlight Family Stories

Meet Sawyer
At five days old, Sawyer was diagnosed with imperforate anus – a rare, life-threatening condition. Emergency surgery, followed by years of medical challenges, eight surgeries and complications that would test any family’s strength. Starlight Hospital Gowns brought unexpected light to Sawyer’s hospital room. With his Starlight character-themed gowns, Sawyer would proudly walk the halls as his favorite hero.
“I just remember his eyes lighting up when he saw the gown,” David, Sawyer’s dad said.
Read Sawyer's Full Story
Meet Sophia
When four-year-old Sophia was diagnosed with leukemia, her world changed. In the middle of treatments and long hospital visits, she found something that made her light up- the Starlight Gaming Station. Her first time playing Mario Kart in the infusion room, she laughed, cheered and just had fun – completely forgetting she was at the hospital.
“It was just one of those moments where I could just watch her be a happy, carefree kid again.” - Kimberly, Sophia’s mom
Read Sophia's Full Story
Meet Emily
For 12-year-old Emily, hospitals have always been a source of fear. Tears being streaming down her face the moment her family pulls into the parking lot. But when she rides the Starlight Hero Wagon down the halls, Emily finds peace, comfort and joy. She doesn’t feel anxious. It has become her safe space, even helping her transition into surgery.
“When Emily is in the Hero Wagon, she knows no ouchies are going to happen.” Emily’s mom, Judy
Read Emily's Full Story
Meet Danika
In early 2023, Danika was diagnosed with leukemia at two years old. There was one week she had to get her finger pricked every hour; her fingers so swollen she would refuse anyone touching her. But when the hospital staff brought in a Starlight Toy Delivery, it was enough to motivate her to endure.
“If they were able to come in with a toy or coloring book, sometimes that’s all she needed to be motivated enough to get pricked again,” shared Danika’s mom, Jennifer.
Read Danika's Full Story