A Mother’s Hope: Holiday Comfort for Kids Like Finn

Written by Kelly, Finn's Mom

When I was pregnant with my son, Finn, the doctors told me he wouldn’t survive birth. Finn was born with congenital heart disease and has undergone 19 surgical procedures in his short lifetime, including two open heart surgeries, and has had countless appointments and treatments to keep his heart healthy.

It has been incredibly challenging as his mom to watch him face pain, anxiety, and fear that no child should ever experience. There are endless moments when I have felt powerless, like when he wouldn’t sleep in his hospital crib after heart surgery at age one.

That’s when the Child Life team introduced us to Starlight Children’s Foundation with a Starlight Radio Flyer Wagon. That wagon became his safe space and a comforting place for him to sleep. For me, it became a resource I could rely on to bring my baby some comfort and peace during an incredibly stressful time. It has been a constant companion through every stage of Finn’s life and to this day, it continues to bring us both joy, even during the toughest hospital stays. 

As Finn grew, so did the impact of Starlight’s programs. During every hospitalization, through the anxiety of frequent tests and treatments, Starlight programs were there to help us face the stress head on, together. As soon as he put on his favorite Starlight Hospital Gown and rode in the wagon, his fear melted away, and those moments of happiness helped Finn feel more like a kid again. Seeing his smile was everything to me.

As the mom of a seriously ill child, I never imagined the journey we would be on, but today, I look up and see a bright, energetic nine-year-old who fills my heart with so much joy. No matter what we face, Starlight always finds a way to lift his spirits. Because of them, Finn still has a chance to be a kid. After all, sick kids are still just kids. 

While the holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, for families like ours facing serious illness, they can also bring uncertainty, and I’m reminded of how much Starlight has meant for us during those difficult moments. This season, I invite you to support Starlight Children’s Foundation —your donation can provide comfort to kids like Finn and families like mine through programs like Starlight Hospital Gowns or Starlight Radio Flyer Hero Wagons.

Every dollar you give sparks moments of joy, resilience, and hope for children and families facing medical challenges. 

With heartfelt thanks, 

Kelly 

Heart Warrior Finn’s mom