The ‘Wow’ Christmas Gift Levi Needed

Program Impact

·Nov 6th, 2026

Last December, then four-year-old Levi and his mom, Britta, came to the clinic for what seemed like an ordinary appointment.

But as they walked in, they were met by a special surprise.

Arrayed gifts of blankets, stuffed animals and bags with toys – all for patients. Levi was excited because so many of the gifts were ones he didn’t have at home.

“None of us were expecting a big wow factor and a wow gift at this appointment. He loved it.”
- Britta, Levi's Mom

Levi K_donate to kids for christmas — Levi at the clinic for his full day of appointments.

Before Levi could get his gifts, though, he had to finish a full day of appointments.

Levi lives with a rare genetic condition, NPHP1 gene deletion, which affects his kidneys, eyes, brain, and overall development. He also lives with focal epilepsy and can’t voluntarily shift his gaze quickly from side to side. He is in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease and will eventually need a transplant.

On that day at the clinic, Levi had to see multiple specialists, moving to different rooms for each. The hours felt long, but Levi kept remembering that at the end, he would get his special Christmas present.

It was a bright spot that motivated him to keep going.

Celebrating with People Who Care

The hospital staff went above and beyond to make sure Levi's gifts were something he really loved. Levi loves cars and Hot Wheels, so the staff searched for a toy bag until they found one with Hot Wheels cars in it.

When we asked Britta what this meant to her, she shared, “It was fun to celebrate in that setting with the care providers. You get to celebrate around people that you know genuinely care for your kid.”

The Christmas celebration and gifts gave Levi happy memories he associates with the clinic. Now, he feels more positive about it whenever he needs to go back.

“We went out very happy, and it was a positive ending to an appointment that was already good,” Britta recalls.

For seriously ill kids and their families, these special holiday memories are ones they won’t forget.

“Parents in the hospital can feel very isolated and lonely already, but seeing a stranger’s kindness for your child that puts a smile on their face, as a parent, there’s nothing greater than seeing someone else love your child. It just means so much.”
- Britta, Levi's Mom

Donate Christmas Presents to Seriously Ill Kids

For parents navigating their child’s serious illness, it’s even more important to make holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah special. Parents often grieve about the childhood they thought their child would have, and they want to give them the very best celebrations.

By donating a gift through Starlight, you help give kids the very best holiday.

Kids in your local community will be spending the holidays at hospital, and you can be the caring people who help them celebrate.

Let your kindness show families they’re not alone this holiday season.

Embrace the spirit of the giving and donate today to ensure gifts arrive by December 25th.

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