I’m fundraising for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. And I need YOUR support.

Many people in my life and network would know that I have the privilege of being on the Queensland Advisory Board for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. It’s a humbling role, where I am contributing, even if only in a small way to a cause that I feel genuinely connected to. However, like any cause-driven activity, sometimes the weight of wanting to make a big enough impact can be distracting. Over the Christmas break, I thought a lot about why I am involved with Starlight, and how I want to give. I reflected on the work that Starlight does and realised that in many cases, it’s the little things that Starlight does for sick children and their families that can make the biggest difference. So, while of course I will always work to contribute in bigger ways for Starlight, whether it's donations to a gala ball or connecting with corporate partners, there are still things that I can do every day to show up for Starlight.

Today, I want to share a bit of my personal connection to Starlight. I'm a mother of four, two biological children and two stepchildren, whom I've loved since they were very young. We've been blessed with healthy children and haven't faced major health challenges. Often, I'm struck by how fortunate we are, worrying about things like tuck shop spending or teenage attitudes. Ironically, my children’s good fortune has always been what has drawn me towards Starlight. The feeling that, seeing my children be able to smile and have a happy childhood is such a blessing, and it’s one I think every child, every parent, and every sibling deserves. I know that the research says that happy children recover faster, but more than that, I know that a happy family is everything.

Starlight shows up in many ways, the grand gestures and the small acts. Granting a wish to a sick child can mean just as much as a parent feeling relief that they’ve seen their child laugh for the first time in days because Captain Starlight made a fart joke (always a favourite). Or it's the quiet joy of a teenager finding a sense of belonging with others who truly understand through the Livewire program. This principle extends to how we support Starlight: sometimes it's through a gala and a generous bid at an auction, other times it's by showing up every day to walk 10,000 steps and raising awareness and funds along the way.

So in May, I'm participating in Super Steps. My purpose is clear: to raise awareness and funds for Starlight so that they can continue to create moments of happiness for sick kids and their families.

I am committing to taking 10,000 steps, every day, for a month. It's a commitment, but nothing compared to the resilience these families demonstrate daily.

Every dollar donated allows Starlight to do what they do best: bring genuine moments of joy to children and their families who need it most. These moments create pockets of normalcy where it's desperately needed.

Would you like to walk with me? I am creating a team of busy people who are making time in their busy lives to walk a set number of steps throughout May. Raising awareness and funds for Starlight.

Let's walk together and make a real difference.

Please send me a message if you'd like to join our team.