Captain Starlight to the rescue!
Earlier this month, 15 families with seriously ill children from Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada shared a truly moving train journey from Banff, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia. This two-day trip was donated by Rocky Mountaineer, and provided joy, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime memories for Canadian families when they needed it most. The adventure connected families from across the country who are facing similar hardships to create new support systems and friends for life.
Joining the families was Starlight Canada’s resident superhero, Captain Starlight. They all enjoyed the scenic views, accompanied with endless onboard entertainment, such as sing-a-longs, trivia games, caricature portraits, and gifts for all to enjoy.
One of the children on this trip was 10-year-old Ethan Bill from Milton, Ontario (along with brother Edward, mother Stacey, and father Ian). Ethan lives with a brain tumour that affects both his head and spine. He has a permanent headache, receives chemo injections in his spine every 2 weeks, and takes a daily chemo pill. A lover of trains, Ethan’s dreams came true while on board the Rocky Mountaineer.
“This trip is this incredible opportunity for us to just be together and not worry about everything else that always goes on in the background,” says Stacey.
“I think it’s also been nice that we’ve been able to connect with other families that have gone through some of the same difficulties that we have and it kind of makes you feel like you’re not quite so alone,” adds Ian.
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“Creating positive experiences for families with seriously ill children is the focus of our mission at Starlight Canada, and there is nothing more heartwarming than this unique adventure,” shares Brian Bringolf, Starlight Canada CEO. “Starlight families who were on board the Rocky Mountaineer train last year still speak about its impact to this day and are still in touch with the friends that they made along the way. Once again, we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Rocky Mountaineer for allowing even more memories to be made away from the routine hospital visits or fears of illness.”
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This is the third year in a row that Rocky Mountaineer and the Air Canada Foundation have generously donated this trip to Starlight Canada.
The flights were made possible by Aeroplan and the Air Canada Foundation.
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