Why Starlight Exists
Scared. Lonely. Sad. Angry. Tired. Bored. For seriously ill and hospitalized kids, these feelings are part of daily life.
At Starlight, we ensure hospitals are easier places for kids to be. By delivering programs that ease fear, distract from pain, and spark joy. Through play, comfort, and imagination, we help kids feel better—because healing begins with happiness.
Healing Begins with Happiness™
In 2024, Starlight impacted more than 3 million pediatric patients and their families at 824 hospitals and medical care facilities across the US.
Because when kids are happy, they are more resilient, more engaged with treatment, and more trusting of providers – paving the way for stronger health outcomes.
8 Years of ★★★★ Ratings
We work hard to receive the highest grades possible for accountability and transparency across all not-for-profit rating organizations. Starlight has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years, an achievement attained by only 13% of charities.
For hospitalized kids, that moment begins with you.
Kids can take on traits of the heroes on their Starlight gowns, putting on bravery, courage and strength like their favorite heroes.
Give Comfort
Starlight Toys let kids play for fun. Time goes by faster and they forget about their treatments for a little while.
Give Play
Helps kids feel safe in an unfamiliar environment through an experience that makes them happy – play!
Give DistractionMore to Explore
Stories
Our blog is where we share the heart of Starlight – real stories from the kids and families we serve, updates on our programs and the incredible impact your support makes possible. Dive in and see how together, we’re delivering happiness to children every day.
Start Reading
Fund a Program
Choose the program you want to fund at a hospital near you. From fun Gowns, Gaming Stations and Toy Deliveries your gift goes straight to experiences that brighten a child’s stay.
Fund-a-Program
Team Starlight
Since 2023, 400+ charity runners have laced up for Team Starlight racing across 5 events and raising $390K+ to bring joy to hospitalized kids. Be a part of a movement that turns miles into smiles.
Ready to Run
Stream for Starlight (S4S)
You can stream happiness 365 days a year or join the fun in one of our campaigns. Whether you stream one day or multiple days, you'll be raising funds to deliver Starlight's programs to kids at children's hospitals across the US. Since 2019 streamers have raised over 2.7 million for programs like Starlight Gowns and Toy Deliveries, helping bring comfort and joy to kids in the hospitals.
Start Streaming
Join The Constellation
The Constellation is a community of donors giving $1,000+ annually to bring joy and comfort to children. Your support creates a lasting impact. Together, we deliver happiness.
Become a Member
Impact
We prioritize transparency and accountability by providing regular updates, impact reports, and donor insights to show how contributions create real change. Through data, heartfelt stories, and direct feedback, we ensure our programs deliver measurable, meaningful impact.
Impact Report