Finding Courage in a Hospital Room: How A Disney Princess Experience Helped 10-Year-Old Rezen Battle a Rare Disease

A Year in the Hospital – Rezen’s Journey of Strength and Hope

10-year-old Rezen celebrated her birthday in her hospital room at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, her home for more than a year.

Diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia – a rare and life-threatening blood disorder – Rezen’s medical journey has been challenging with multiple procedures and treatments. On Valentine’s Day last year, she underwent a bone marrow transplant that later required three chest tubes to drain fluid from her heart and lungs. Since then, she’s remained in Hawai‘i’s only full-service children’s specialty hospital to treat her rare disease. 

When Rezen was nervous before an MRI, one of Kapi‘olani’s Child Life Specialists gave her a Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gown with matching pants, transforming her day.

Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns are more than just gowns — they help empower kids with a renewed sense of optimism, resilience, and courage, inspired by their favorite Princesses. 

These gowns are designed to support a child’s mental well-being from the start of their hospital stay. Kids love wearing them because they help ease anxiety by enabling greater privacy and offering more comfort while allowing kids to express individuality. 

Through its longstanding collaboration, The Walt Disney Company and the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation bring Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns to children’s hospitals across the United States. This unique collection, designed by a Disney artist, features seven enchanting designs inspired by beloved characters, including Moana, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Cinderella, Mulan and Tiana. 

“One of the hardest transitions for our pediatric patients is changing into a gown. But they can make a connection to these characters, such as Moana and her bravery, grit and courage. It means so much for our patients and families,” said Kelsie Ardo, certified Child Life Specialist at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. “Starlight programs help us to promote the well-being and the fun that our pediatric patients have here at the hospital. They’re able to provide moments of joy, happiness and comfort.” 

In December, Rezen participated in a Moana 2 party hosted by Starlight and Disney at Kapi‘olani. She was thrilled to receive Moana-themed toys and Starlight’s new Moana gown, completing her collection of Princess-themed hospital gowns. She was among the first to experience Moana 2, with a special private showing of the movie in her hospital room. 

Reflecting on the Moana 2 party, Rezen’s mom, Ristina Davis, said, “It was just a really, really, really special, magical experience for us. We’re really blessed. For her to see all the hospital gowns just gives her a sense of her own identity. She can pick which princess she wants to wear every day.” 

For kids like Rezen, living with a rare disease brings unique challenges that impact not only them but also their parents, caregivers, and siblings. 

Rare pediatric diseases come with complex psychosocial challenges that can affect the entire family. These children often endure a long and challenging diagnostic journey, with some undergoing years of medical tests and consultations with multiple specialists. Frequent hospitalizations and the need for critical in-home care place significant strain on children and their families as they navigate complex medical needs. 

That's why Starlight exists.

Starlight addresses the psychosocial needs of seriously ill children by transforming hospital stays into positive and uplifting experiences through vital programs offered free of charge to over 800 children’s hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide, as well as to families enrolled in Starlight’s family program. These donor-funded programs, including Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns and Toy Deliveries, provide play and distraction therapy, social connection and family support, and foster a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar setting. 

Since 2001, The Walt Disney Company and Starlight Children’s Foundation have collaborated to deliver happiness to seriously ill children and their families. In support of Disney’s commitment to reimagining the patient experience in children’s hospitals, Starlight delivers Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns as part of Disney deliveries of toys, books and games to provide a sense of comfort and normalcy to children during their hospital stay. 

“Disney’s support of children’s hospitals began with Walt Disney himself, who brought animators and characters to visit hospitalized kids,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president, corporate social responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “We are proud to continue this legacy with Starlight Children’s Foundation, using the power of our stories and characters to bring comfort and happiness to kids and families when it’s needed most.” 

“For over 20 years, Starlight and Disney have been championing the well-being of every pediatric patient – no matter their diagnosis. We recognize the incredible bravery of children living with medical challenges and rare diseases, and we are committed to our dedication to our collective work in bringing joy and comfort through programs that unleash the healing power of play,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation.

“Rezen feels special that everyone does so much for her. We feel blessed that we receive things to make her feel special and loved and to have some normalcy,” said Ristina, Rezen's mom. “We’re looking forward to Rezen moving to the next stage of her medical journey, getting off some of the machines and hopefully heading home soon.”