Hospitalized Kids Facing the Impact of COVID-19

For more than 35 years, Starlight has lived by one simple but important mission - delivering happiness to seriously ill kids. As we all continue to face the coronavirus pandemic and adjust to a new normal, we checked-in with some of our Starlight Kids to see how they are being impacted.

Finn

Finn is a curious, outgoing five-year-old born with congenital heart disease, who loves comfy and colorful Starlight Gowns. This little guy has had more hospital visits and surgeries than any person should ever experience. That’s the thing about congenital heart defects. There’s no cure, only temporary fixes until the next surgery. 

Learn how COVID-19 is impacting Finn.  

Artie

Artie is a 16-year-old video game enthusiast. As a patient at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, Artie beat his family playing on our Starlight Gaming station.... while in a hospital bed with casts on his two broken arms!   

According to Artie, his junior year has been “pretty weird” because of coronavirus. He spends his day attending online classes and had to postpone summer plans to visit potential colleges. He has a surgery booked this summer, but his family is waiting to see if they can move forward.  

The one thing that’s helped him during this time? Video games, of course! 

Meet Artie.  

Addison

Addison is a twin, and at just four months old, she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Her mom, Rebecca, calls her a miracle child because doctors told her she would need a heart transplant at an early age.  

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, Addison and her mom are more anxious about her getting sick. They are taking extra precautions: what was a simple trip to her pediatrician was done entirely while she stayed in the car. It’s a new experience for a kid that is used to doctor visits. 

Meet Addison.  

Give now and double your impact. When you help kids like Finn, Artie, and Addison, your donation will be matched!