When you ask Shining Star Ashley what she wants to be when she grows up, she lights up as she exclaims, “a play director and to own my own theater!”
You can’t help but notice Ashley’s joyful smile as she tells you about all of her hobbies. “I love magic, acting, singing, basketball, swimming, fencing, reading, writing, and archery!
Ashley’s battle with cancer began at age 7, when she was diagnosed with a tumor in her adrenal gland.
Now in remission, 11-year-old Ashley is doing great, but life didn’t just go back to normal. As you know, cancer haunts long after treatment ends. Children are left trying to sort through experiences like seeing their parents cry, taking time off of school, and experiencing loss. Incredible loss. The loss of their hair, strength, ability to play a beloved sport, or people they thought were their friends. The loss of whatever used to feel like “normal”.
Like you, we want to give these children back their lives so that the trauma of cancer doesn’t define them. We want to remind a young person that there is life beyond cancer and that life can be filled with happier, more hope-filled experiences. Ashley and her family have participated in Shining Stars programs for two years now.
“We love being surrounded by people who get us,” shared her mom, Julie.
“No sad faces, or awkward stares and silences. We all share the same story…Shining Stars also gives my daughter something to look forward to and be excited about. Skiing was a big stretch for Ashley. She pushed herself to do things that she hadn’t done before.”
Pediatric Oncology Nurse Amy is a member of the Shining Stars medical team. She has seen many of her patients find healing at our programs. “Kids are able to challenge themselves and see that they can succeed and beat more than just cancer. They can also live their lives to the fullest, have a normal life, and be normal kids. I think that is something Shining Stars offers that not many programs do.”
Every week we get requests for help from families just like Ashley’s. The number of families being referred to our programs by oncology doctors has nearly doubled in the last five years and over 90% of our programs have a waitlist. The number of families we can reach depends on generous supporters like you.
We value your donation and are proud to report that last year only 3.25% of funds were allocated to administrative overhead costs and 4.8% to fundraising. This means that over 90% of your donation supports programming.
