Danny, with his mother Sonia, shows the joy that a wish from the Starlight Children’s Foundation has brought him.
By Elise Adams
FOR 19 years selfless efforts made by the Starlight Children’s Foundation have changed the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
In 2005 the foundation extended its generous hand to the Bulach family and granted 8-year-old Danny a special wish.
The Berwick youngster suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy which affects every part of his young body. As he grows so do his bones but his muscles do not. This leaves him restricted to a wheelchair with tightened muscles, unable to even walk. Danny’s Starlight Wish of getting a custom made bike has brought much joy to his life.
“He’s really enjoying it. He loves bike riding,” Danny’s mother Sonia said.
The three-wheeled bike is pushed from behind with Danny in the driver’s seat to help make him feel as though he’s doing it all himself.
“He’s even learned to pedal,” Mrs Bulach said.
In April Danny under went surgery to help loosen his contracted muscles.
“The bike helps the muscles in his legs. It helps a lot after he’s had one of his surgeries,” Mrs Bulach said.
The bike isn’t the only one of Danny’s wishes that’s come true. Thanks to the Starlight Escapes, Danny sat in on a recording of his favourite TV show Temptation.
“It was fantastic. He couldn’t believe it. He met Ed and Lavinia, they were so lovely. I’d love to know what was going on in his mind at the time,” Mrs Bulach said.
“He’s also been to see the Wiggles…gone to the Melbourne Aquarium and is forever being sent gifts. They’re very special things.”
Unfortunately statistics show only one in three special children like Danny is being reached through Starlight. The foundation’s ability to bring happiness to lives of sick children depends solely on the generosity of donations. Over Christmas Starlight is striving to grant 152 wishes during a season which can be traumatic and needs the public’s help.
“For seriously ill children and their families the magic of Christmas is often elusive – there are so many other pressures to cope with. By supporting Starlight this Christmas you will be helping to grant a seriously ill child their own special wish.” Starlight Children’s Foundation head of marketing Anne Johnston said.
Without Starlight lives like Danny’s wouldn’t be the same and his mother couldn’t be more appreciative.
“He’s a happy little boy. He gets called the class clown at his Nepean School in Seaford,” she said.
“They’ve given us hope and allowed him to do things in life we never could’ve done for him. You never know when it could be you that needs them. They’re all volunteers…just brilliant.”
Mrs Bulach said she’d like to thank Starlight as well as her friend Elaine and neighbour Margaret for all their support.
“They don’t just help your child, they’re there for you too. When a person goes through a really hard time it’s great to have good friends to help. They’re the special ones,” she said.
To help support Starlight and seriously ill children this Christmas visit www .starlight.org.au or call 1300 737 827.
