Supporting Childhood Cancer Warriors
Cancer turns their lives upside down. Together, we can turn their hospital stays around.
The only thing worse than hearing you have cancer is hearing your child has cancer.
15,000 children and their families receive this diagnosis every year.
In the matter of seconds, their life is turned upside down as their days ahead are filled with countless tests, chemotherapy, painful procedures, and more.
A cancer diagnosis can be emotional and overwhelming for kids and their families, and, according to the American Cancer Society Journals:
50-60% of children with cancer reported pain and anxiety when receiving medical operations.
63% of children with cancer developed further fears of doctors and nurses.
Still, when kids and families receive positive experiences, they often show strength and resilience.
That's why Starlight exists - to provide hospitalized kids with opportunities to socialize, manage pain, and find comfort.
Starlight programs can contribute to effective coping strategies that help kids manage their pain and find comfort with their familiar and engaging games.
Starlight Programs Turn Hospital Stays Around
Toy Deliveries
Redirecting a child’s focus away from their treatment to a positive experience including the importance of play, giving kids like Ashton much-needed moments of relief
Providing Play
Gaming
Giving kids like Aria opportunities to socialize with hospital staff, friends, and family through familiar games to boost spirits and reducing stress
Empowering Kids
Hospital Gowns
Providing more coverage and greater privacy for kids like Grace while allowing easier access to children's ports during medical procedures
Supporting Comfort
"As a parent, there are so many things I grapple with as Ashton is forced to face brain cancer, and all that comes with it … But through it all, she’s been so strong, and we are so thankful for organizations like Starlight, who don’t forget about our girl and understand her journey all too well." - Amanda, Ashton's Mom
Of the more than 700 children's hospitals and medical centers that Starlight works with:
98% strongly agree or agree that Starlight programs help put kids at ease and combat kids’ anxieties and stress while in the hospital.
96% strongly agree or agree that Starlight programs mitigate disruptions to a child’s every day and help normalize their experience.
Give With Confidence
At Starlight, we ensure every dollar you donate makes the biggest impact possible. We're proud to share that 79% of your contributions go directly to programs that deliver happiness to hospitalized children. With just $0.21 spent to raise each dollar, your generosity goes further and helps more kids.
Starlight has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for seven consecutive years, an achievement attained by only 13% of charities.
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