Anna and her family took part in a Rocky Mountain experience. (Photo: Starlight Children's Foundation Canada)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge girl with cerebral palsy gets ‘unforgettable’ Starlight Foundation experience

Oct 17, 2024 | 8:57 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A local child and her family took a once-in-a-lifetime train journey through the Rocky Mountains.

On September 26, 2024, the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada flew families with children who have terminal conditions from across the country to Banff.

In addition to the two-day train ride, the groups had in-cabin entertainment, a caricature artist, and met the Foundation’s mascot, Captain Starlight.

Among those who took part was 10-year-old Anna from Lethbridge.

She has cerebral palsy and has undergone numerous surgeries, hospitalizations, and therapies throughout her short life.

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Her mother, Jen, says 2024 has been a particularly difficult year for Anna and that her mobility challenges have led to her having to miss out on many enjoyable experiences.

Jen calls the Starlight Foundation experience a major bright spot and that it meant a lot to the entire family.

“It is difficult to pick a favourite part of the Starlight Rocky Mountaineer experience because every single part of it was amazing, from the train ride itself and the scenery, to the food, meeting other families and the staff and volunteers with Starlight and the Rocky Mountaineer,” says Jen. “The biggest highlight though was being able to spend this time together as a family.”

Starlight Canada CEO Brian Bringolf says events like these are about more than just taking a break from medical worries, it is about creating joyful memories that help restore the smiles of children.

“We are profoundly grateful to Rocky Mountaineer and the Air Canada Foundation for making this incredible trip possible for the third consecutive year,” says Bringolf. “In a child’s journey filled with hospital visits, medications, and treatments, meaningful experiences like these create vital moments of joy and hope, allowing families to reconnect and recharge.”

The experience was made possible thanks to contributions from Rocky Mountaineer and the Air Canada Foundation, who helped to put on the Starlight Foundation’s third annual event.

Families from across Canada who have children with terminal conditions took part in a Rocky Mountain experience. (Photo: Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada)

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