Oliver (10) Sydney
Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) at just 4 years old, Oli was left paralysed from the shoulders down. His ongoing treatment involved speech therapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy and he was able to gain some function back. His family and the Captain Starlights were there to support him. He now requires regular visits to Sydney for treatment, but always makes time for a visit to the Starlight Express Room when in hospital.
Oliver’s picks: The Despicable Me fart blaster and Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy.
‘I feel like one of the luckiest kids in the world… All of the toys I tested were so cool and interactive, but my favourite toy is definitely the Despicable Me Ultimate Fart Blaster, which I can play with my brothers around during the holidays’
You can read Oli’s story here.
Tom (nine) Sydney
Diagnosed with Metastatic Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, Tom has spent several of his early years in and out of hospital. Tom loves to spend his time playing with any type of building toys particularly LEGOS. He also enjoys cartoon TV shows and movies.
Tom picks: The Bitzee toy and Vtech Kidizoom Duo FX camera.
‘Being a Playmaker is the best! I love playing with all kinds of toys but especially love the Bitzee toy as I can look after it, and it reminds me of toys I had when I was younger’
You can read Tom’s story here.
Lucy (five) Sydney
Lucy received the devastating diagnosis of an aggressive type of childhood bone cancer known as Ewing sarcoma at just three years old. Over the next two years, with mum and dad by her side, Lucy endured 22 gruelling cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. To fill her time, Lucy loves engaging with dolls and sensory toys.
Lucy’s picks: 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 make the best toy tester because I have spent a really long time in hospital with only toys to play with, so I’ve got lots of practice. Especially with Barbies! I love the Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn because when you pat it, it shines. I also love the Furby because it talks to me, for real life!’
Maddie (seven) Sydney
Diagnosed with cancer at just two years old, hospital has been a big part of Maddie’s life. When undergoing treatment, Captain Starlight helped Maddie feel more positive about hospital, and was a welcome distraction for her.
Maddie’s picks: The ice-cream slime kit and LEGO Simba.
‘Being a Playmaker is the best! I’m so excited because I’m a huge fan of toys and I like getting messy. My ultimate favourite toy is the ice-cream slime kit because I can make whatever I want.’
You can read Maddie’s story here.
QLD PLAYMAKERS
Alice (six) Brisbane
Diagnosed with Orbital Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and invasive soft tissue cancer behind her right eye, at just three years old. Later, Alice’s family was told that they would have remove her right eye. Her family and the Captain Starlights were by her side to keep her spirits high.
Alice’s picks: The Unicorn Academy Doll and Horse toy and the Barbie Dreamhouse.
‘I’m so excited to be chosen as an official Amazon Playmaker and toy tester! I love dolls and colourful toys. My favourite toy is the Unicorn Academy Doll and Horse toy because I can brush the horses hair.’
You can read Alice’s story here.
Daniel (10) Brisbane
Diagnosed with a rare brain tumour at just six years old, Dan’s journey in hospital has been back-to-back in the past three and a half years, receiving 14 procedures, including three craniotomies since his initial diagnosis in Feb 2021. When undergoing treatment, Captain Starlight helped Dan feel more positive about hospital and was a welcome distraction for him and his family.
Daniel’s picks: The Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Set and Vtech Kidizoom Duo FX.
‘Being a Playmaker is so exciting! I like playing with toys because have the best imagination and I like setting my mind on a new world. My favourite toy has to be the Vtech Kidizoom because it’s the first camera I’ve owned, and I love being creative’
You can read Daniel’s story here.
Elijah (eight) Melbourne
When Elijah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, the family’s lives were turned upside down. Inside hospital, unable to have any visitors due to his treatment, he found the joy of Captain Starlight. He loves all things sports – sharing his love for cricket with his Grandad and best mate, Graham.
Elijah’s picks: The Monster Jam Truck and Cricket Set.
‘I was so happy when all these toys arrived from Amazon. The Monster Jam truck is my favourite because I I can drive it around and make it 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 Elijah’s story here.
Priya (five) Melbourne
Dealing with bouts of illness from a young age, Priya’s health took a turn for the worst when she went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis – a life-threatening side effect of Type 1 diabetes. The transition to managing life with diabetes has been tricky for the family. Priya loves to spend her time playing with Barbies and dolls.
Priya’s picks: The Barbie Ultimate Kitchen Doll & Playset and the Barbie campervan.
‘It felt really nice and exciting when I was told I was chosen as a Playmaker. My favourite toy is the Barbie because she can do anything she wants. I make the best toy tester because toys make me happy and I can play for hours.’
You can read Priya’s story here.
Hailey (five) Perth
Hailey and her family’s life changed when she was seven months old and went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis – a potentially life-threatening complication of Type 1 Diabetes. Hailey’s blood sugar levels are now monitored 24/7 and she needs the correct dosage of medication (insulin) every time she eats – which can be up to 20 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 favourite toy is the Plush duck because it’s squishy and I love cuddling it.’
You can read Hailey’s story here.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk