"When a child is ill, the day-to-day joys of the holiday season take a backseat to the rigours of treatment and hospitalization.  Many parents simply do not have the means to celebrate the holidays because they have to reduce their work hours, or leave the workforce entirely to care for an ailing child, says Trevor Dicaire, Starlight Director of Development.

Even on the worst of days, I am reminded of how fortunate and blessed we are. Though our child was in the hospital for the first 70 days of her life, we were able to take home a healthy preemie. We were at the hospital during the holidays and one of the things that touched me the most was the staff in the NICU decorating the NICU and all of the babies' stations and isolettes.  Each baby received a stocking filled with goodies, which made being at the hospital during the holidays a little easier.

I am forever thankful for the kindness of those who donated so that the staff could do something special for all the sick babies and their parents. This is probably why the Starlight Foundation is important to us as well. Though we weren't with the Starlight Foundation, it's still a cause I feel strongly about because of all the work they do for improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries.

I'm certain you are familiar with the work of the Starlight Foundation.  They've touched the lives of some of our friends' kids. For this I am thankful for.

Starlight Foundation works hard to support seriously ill children and their families right from diagnosis, through the entire course of medical treatment, and beyond.  Their mission is to bring fun, joy, and giggles where they are needed the most. One of our special angel friends was able to visit his friend Mickey Mouse at Disney World in his last days with his Mommy and Daddy.  That is a special gift - to bring joy to a very sick child.

Until the 9th of December, you can share in the spirit of the holiday season by making a donation to the Annual Starlight Toy Drive.  Spread the holiday cheer and smiles by donating as little as $20 to sponsor a holiday stocking for a Starlight child.

Donations can be made online.

For more information about the Starlight Foundation and what they do, please visit their website.