Welcome to Starlight 365

Recently, the Broward Sheriff's Office hosted a Broward Sheriff-for-a-Day Great Escape for Starlight families in South Florida. During the event, children and their parents interacted with BSO officers and its swat and air rescue teams and came face-to-face with its helicopter, fire engine and police cars.

Many families shared that their favorite part of the event was its Communications tour. Children and their parents got to experience first hand what it is like for the 911 dispatch services that cover the area of Broward County. The division functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

"All of the families that attended truly enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Broward Sheriff's Office," said Southeat Region Director Nancy HartGold. "We are so thankful to BSO for not only supporting this Great Escape, but also Starlight's year-round programs."

Later in the day, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza of Pompano Beach sponsored a lunch with meatballs, chicken wings and salad. While they ate, families were able to interact with each other and meet Quigley, the Broward County Sheriffs Office mascot.

See more photos at Starlight Florida's Facebook page.

Starlight's Photo(s) of the Week 

Last month, 300 children and family members from Starlight Northwest attended a fun-filled, overnight Great Escape at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA. The two days were full of playing in the indoor water park, complete with water slides, a wave pool, climbing water features and a special toddler-play area. This Great Escape provided families with the opportunity to get a break from their usual routines and have a little "mini-vacation" together. They also enjoyed pizza dinners, magic quests around the lodge, and story-time in front of lodge's gigantic fireplace with Wolfie, its mascot. Everyone had an amazing time at the Great Wolf Lodge and already cannot wait for more adventures at this magical place.

Photos submitted by Erin Behen, Program & Child Life Services Director at Starlight Northwest

We absolutely love it when we have a new story to share about an extraordinary Starlight child. Today, we present Kylee. Click her image below to read her inspiring story.

Recently, Starlight Midwest hosted its third annual CPKids Camp Great Escape in Chicago at Chicago Indoor Sports. More than 140 Starlight children and family members arrived for an afternoon of sports, crafts, food and fun!

California Pizza Kitchen brought nearly 15 volunteers who led families in activities that included football, hula hoop contests, face painting, sack races and hot potato. Children also kept busy with an inflatable slide and arts and crafts.

The highlight of the afternoon was the wheelchair race, where Starlight kids in wheelchairs and their parents were given the opportunity to race one another up and down a turf field. It's safe to say everyone went home for a nap after that.

Thank you, CPK, for the wonderful time!

Through its partnership, Starlight and California Pizza Kitchen have created a signature series of CPKids Camp Great Escapes providing seriously ill children and their families with the opportunity to "pause to play." CPKids Camps have taken place in numerous cities across the country and continue to do so. CPK executives and employees participate as volunteers and do everything they can to make these events extra special.

To learn more, visit www.starlight.org/cpk and to see more photos from this event, click here. 

Recently, the San Jose Earthquakes and MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, teamed up with Starlight for the placement of three Starlight Fun Center mobile entertainment units at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Kaiser Oakland and Valley Medical Center. The hospital visits were part of a commitment to give back to the San Jose community and provide an opportunity for seriously ill children and their families to enjoy a unique experience and a renewed sense of strength and hope.

Earthquakes players Jason Hernandez, Bobby Burling, David Bingham, Jon Busch and Kelly Gray were on hand to play Fun Center games with young patients and participate in other activities prior to each unit’s dedication ceremony. Patients also received autographs and took pictures with Earthquakes representatives.

MLS is committed to creating sustainable programs that leave a lasting legacy. The hospital visits fall under the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Soccer Kicks Cancer program, a league-wide initiative to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment affecting men, women and children.

For children who may be facing surgery, enduring long outpatient treatments or fighting loneliness after hospital visiting hours have ended, Starlight Fun Centers provide a comforting break. Each Starlight Fun Center features a LCD TV, DVD player and gaming system to provide hours of fun and distraction. To learn more, please visit www.starlight.org/FunCenter.
Thank you, MLS!