When Oli was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at the age of four, he was paralyzed from the shoulders down. His ongoing treatment included speech therapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy and he was able to regain some function. His family and the Captain Starlights were there to support him. He now has to travel to Sydney regularly for treatment, but always makes time to visit the Starlight Express Room when he is in hospital.
Oliver’s choice: The Despicable Me fart blaster And Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Toys.
‘I feel like one of the luckiest kids in the world… All the toys I tested were so cool and interactive, but my favorite toy is definitely the Despicable Me Ultimate Fart Blaster, which I can play with my brothers during the holidays ‘
You can read Oli’s story here.
Diagnosed with metastatic embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma, Tom spent some of his early years in and out of hospital. Tom enjoys spending his time playing with any type of building toys, especially LEGOS. He also likes cartoon series and movies.
Tom chooses: The Bitzee toy And Vtech Kidizoom Duo FX camera.
‘Being a playmaker is the best! I like to play with all kinds of toys, but I especially love the Bitzee toys because I can take care of them, and it reminds me of toys I had when I was younger’
You can read Tom’s story here.
Lucy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood bone cancer known as Ewing’s sarcoma at the age of three. Over the next two years, with mom and dad by her side, Lucy endured 22 grueling cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. To fill her time, Lucy enjoys playing with dolls and sensory toys.
Lucy’s Choices: The Furby toy, Barbie camper van And Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn set.
You can read Lucy’s story here.
‘Thank you for making me a playmaker! I’m the best toy tester because I was in the hospital for a long time with only toys to play with, so I’ve had a lot of practice. Especially with Barbies! I love the Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn because when you pet it, it shines. I also like the Furby because it talks to me, in real life!’
When she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two, the hospital played a huge role in Maddie’s life. When Captain Starlight underwent treatment, he made Maddie feel more positive about the hospital, and this was a welcome distraction for her.
Maddie’s Choices: The ice slime kit And LEGO Simba.
‘Being a playmaker is the best! I’m so excited because I’m a big fan of toys and I love getting messy. My ultimate favorite toy is the ice cream slime pack because I can make whatever I want.”
You can read Maddie’s story here.
QLD PLAYMAKERS
Diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and invasive cancer of the soft tissue behind her right eye, when she was just three years old. Later, Alice’s family was told they would have removed her right eye. Her family and the Captain Starlights were by her side to keep her spirits up.
Alice’s choices: The Unicorn Academy doll and horse toy and the Barbie dream house.
“I’m so excited to be chosen as an official Amazon Playmaker and toy tester! I like dolls and colorful toys. My favorite toy is the Unicorn Academy Doll and Horse toy because I can brush the horse hair.”
You can read Alice’s story here.
Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of six, Dan’s hospital journey has been consecutive for the past three and a half years, undergoing 14 procedures including three craniotomies since his first diagnosis in February 2021. During his treatment Captain Starlight helped Dan feel more positive about the hospital and was a welcome distraction for him and his family.
Daniel’s choice: The Beyblade And Vtech Kidizoom DuoFX.
‘Being a playmaker is so exciting! I like to play with toys because I have the best imagination and I like to focus my thoughts on a new world. My favorite toy has to be the Vtech Kidizoom, because it is the first camera I have, and I love to be creative’
You can read Daniel’s story here.
When Elijah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the family’s lives were turned upside down. In the hospital, unable to receive visitors due to his treatment, he found the joy of Captain Starlight. He loves all things sports and shares his love of cricket with his grandfather and best friend, Graham.
Elijah’s choice: The Monster Jam truck And Cricket set.
“I was so happy when all these toys arrived from Amazon. The Monster Jam truck is my favorite because I can drive it around and do cool jumps and tricks around the backyard. I’m the best toy tester ever because I pay attention to every part of the toy.’
You can read the story of Elijah here.
Priya’s health was plagued with illnesses from a young age and took a serious turn when she developed diabetic ketoacidosis – a life-threatening side effect of type 1 diabetes. The transition to living with diabetes was difficult for the family. Priya likes to spend her time playing with Barbies and dolls.
Priya’s Choices: The Barbie ultimate kitchen doll and playset and the Barbie camper.
‘It felt very nice and exciting when I was told that I had been selected as a Gamemaker. My favorite toy is Barbie because she can do anything she wants. I am the best toy tester because toys make me happy and I can play for hours.’
You can read Priya’s story here.
Hailey and her family’s lives changed when she was seven months old and diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis – a potentially life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes. Hailey’s blood sugar levels are now monitored 24/7 and she is on the correct dose of medication (insulin) every time she eats. ) is necessary – that can be up to twenty times a day.
Hailey’s picks: The plush duck and the Bitzee toy.
‘Thank you for making me a playmaker, I’m so excited! It’s the best day ever when I get to open new toys! My ultimate favorite toy is the Plush Duck, because it is so soft and I love cuddling with it.’
You can read Hailey’s story here.