Spring Campaign 2025 with Starlight Children’s Foundation
Happiness Matters! Help us bring happiness to serious ill children this Spring.
Meet Imi
At just age seven Imi has earned a very special bravery award, passed her Level 1 swimming, can cook up a storm with her dad, is learning to write her name, and has made some amazing new friends. Her infectious laugh, smile and bright personality light up every room.
Sadly, she has also endured over 40 procedures and operations including multiple major brain surgeries, hip and hand surgeries and a bone marrow transplant.Imi was born with Fanconi Anaemia (FA) an extremely rare genetic disease characterised by multiple physical abnormalities, abnormal bones in arm and thumbs, smaller or missing organs, heart defects, bone marrow failure and a higher-than-normal risk of cancer.
During mum Rachael’s pregnancy, she was told that their baby may have a genetic disorder, but it was only after Imi was about six months old that tests confirmed the diagnosis.
“We were absolutely devastated,” Rachael said. “Given it’s such a rare disease we had to do a lot of research as not many people in Australia have ever heard of it or know what it is.”
Imi lives with multiple complex health conditions. She has a VP shunt to relieve pressure on her brain, organ issues, an intellectual disability, speech, audio and visual delay, ADHD, and a low immune system meaning she’s highly susceptible to viruses and infections. To manage her health conditions, life revolves around ongoing surgeries and treatments in hospital including countless x-rays, blood tests, CT scans and MRIs.
“We don’t have a routine and always run on how Imi is feeling when she wakes up and plan the day accordingly. We can’t really make forward plans as Imi is sick and in hospital so often,” her mum said. Being in hospital is scary and overwhelming for Imi who fears every needle. Her mum said it’s also hard on her daughter emotionally being different to other kids and not being able to do the regular things that other children her age are doing.
“Imi doesn’t have the stamina to do all the different activities. We don’t get to socialise very often as we tend to live in our own little bubble to help keep Imi safe and away from germs.” Amid so much pain and anguish, Starlight has been a bright light for the family.
“The Captain Starlights have been amazing. When Imi was in hospital having a really bad day with dressing changes and IV drips, they came and gave her a bravery award cape and hat. They have always eased her anxiety before her appointments,” Rachael said.
When Imi is in isolation and unable to leave her hospital bed, the Captains visit at the door with funny jokes and songs to make her laugh.
Starlight’s impact: Why Happiness Matters
When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, life can become consumed by hospital and treatment. It’s scary, isolating and overwhelming. That's where Starlight comes in. Through play, creativity, and social connection, Starlight creates the fun and happiness seriously ill children and their families need to get through the toughest times.
Happiness helps sick kids feel more positive about hospital and treatment. It boosts their resilience, helping them cope with pain, fear and stress. So, when you give to Starlight, you’re helping to improve the lives of seriously ill children now, and into the future.
Because happiness matters.
Key Findings of the Program:
• Positive distraction from pain and boredom
• Helps reduce children's anxiety and distress
• Helps parents better cope with their child's procedure
• Siblings also benefited from positive distraction while waiting for procedures to finish
How can you show your support?
List and sell or list a property to be managed through our office from September 1 to November 30 and we will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
If you are considering selling or leasing your property, register your details below and an R&W representative will contact you to arrange an obligation free appraisal of your property