Children Walking For Sick Kids

9 Sep 2009: Aaron Nielsen is now a happy and healthy 11 year old Boy who survived a major life-threatening kidney operation two years ago. While he was critically ill, he says that the crew from the Starlight Room in the Children's Hospital at Westmead made his recovery such a happier and more memorable time.

One of the Starlight Rooms, which is run by the Starlight Foundation, operates out of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, in Sydney. The Starlight Room is a great place for sick kids and their families to hang out, they play trivia games, show movies on a big screen, they have video games, craft sessions and lots of fun games for patients and their families to enjoy. There is also a live television broadcast of what's happening from the starlight room straight to the children's hospital televisions, for those who are too sick to leave their hospital rooms.

The Starlight Foundation started in 1988 in Australia, they also grant wishes for seriously ill, disabled and hospitalised children. Each wish averages $6000 and can range from meeting a hero to going to Disneyland.

Aaron was so grateful for the support he received from the Starlight Foundation that he wants to give them something back. He and his best mate James, have decided to walk from CUA Stadium in Penrith to Bondi. They have allowed themselves 2 days to walk the 64kms, with a stopover at Flemington; they will of course be accompanied by Aaron's parents and lots of friends and supporters.

To show his appreciation, Aaron wants to raise $6000 from the walk – the average cost of a wish – to help a sick kid in hospital. He is up to $2170, he needs to raise the money by this Friday when they set off on their walk. Visit http to donate as much or as little as you'd like to help Aaron reach his goal and help a sick child.

This little boy is so sweet and selfless to offer his time to raise money for such a great charity. I hope he reaches his goal and maybe also raises awareness about the Starlight Foundation and what they do. To view the original story of Aarons endeavor, click here http://www.penrithstar.com.au/news/local/news/general/claremont-meadows-boy-to-walk-to-bondi/1572565.aspx

When I was 11, I was granted a wish from the Starlight Foundation; my mum was told about the wish program after one of my many hospital stays.

The hardest part was deciding what I wanted to wish for. It was between three of my favourite ideas, which were an African safari, to meet the cast of Seinfeld or a shopping spree.

I chose the shopping spree. It was so much fun, I went with my mum, her sister and my brother, we were picked up in a white limo, we were given a huge box of chocolates, a big bunch of roses and $5000 to spend in a surf shop, Myer, (Grace Brothers as it was known back then) and a music store.

It was one of the most memorable days of my life and it has definitely left an impression. One of the things that I got was my very first double bed, I still have it, so I am always reminded of the day the Starlight Foundation granted me a wish.

I think it's a very wonderful opportunity for sick or disabled children to have. They survive on donations to keep the program going and there are always children on waiting lists. To make a donation to help a sick or disabled child's wish come true or to apply to receive a wish for your disabled child, go to http://www.starlight.org.au/Pages/default.aspx