After a busy day at daycare, one-year-old Millie excitedly ran into her dad’s arms. Just two hours later, she was unable bear weight on her leg.
“It was so sudden, we rushed her straight to hospital,” mum Maddi said.
Doctors suspected a post-viral issue and an ultrasound showed fluid on Millie’s hip. They were sent home and told to return if she developed a fever.
Later that night, Millie’s temperature spiked and they raced her back to the hospital.
Millie faced a whirlwind of testing including blood tests, an ultrasound and an MRI as doctors tried to determine what was wrong. She was ultimately diagnosed with sepsis caused by a staph infection in her blood which had settled into the muscle in her leg.
“It was a frightening and fast-moving experience, but we were grateful to have answers so she could begin the urgent treatment she needed,” Maddi said.
Millie underwent numerous treatments in hospital including a general anaesthetic for an MRI so doctors could pinpoint the location of the infection.
Over the following week, Millie had multiple rounds of intravenous antibiotics each day, with some infusions taking up to two hours at a time. She also had frequent blood tests to monitor the infection in her bloodstream ensuring the treatment was working effectively.
Maddi said from the moment of Millie’s diagnosis, family life shifted dramatically especially with the birth of baby sister Sophie.
As a toddler, it was hard for Millie to understand why she was in pain, why she was being constantly prodded or had to take medicine.
But amid the worry and sadness, the family found moments of joy with the Captain Starlights and the Starlight Express Room.
“Watching one-year-old Millie fight sepsis and a serious infection was something no family is ever prepared for. She had endless tests and rounds of antibiotics, sometimes sitting still for up to two hours. It was a frightening and exhausting time, especially while also caring for a newborn. Yet in the middle of it all, Starlight brought something that felt impossible in those moments—joy.”
The family first visited the Starlight Express Room when Millie was waiting for blood tests and was tired and dehydrated.
Playing in the toy kitchen with the Captain making muffins and coffee took her mind off everything she was going through. Millie also enjoyed playing with the building blocks and the toy animals which kept her happy and distracted.
“We knew about Starlight having attended the Starlight Ball, but it wasn’t until Millie was in hospital that we realised just how brilliant it is!” Maddi says.
As Millie’s treatment continued, her parents watched her go from being carefree and trusting to suddenly feeling unsure around doctors and at times, even around people she knew.
Her mum said even simple things like taking medicine felt like a battle and every procedure was scary and confusing for Millie.
On those tough days, Captain Starlight helped ease Millie’s fears.
“The Captains were incredible. They distracted Millie during procedures, popping their heads in at her hospital door to make her smile, and gave her moments of laughter when she had every reason to cry,” Maddi said.
Physically, it’s been challenging too with Millie having to learn to walk safely again. After losing confidence in her leg, it’s been an emotional time as she slowly rebuilds her strength and learns to trust her body again.
“Being welcomed into the Starlight Express Room has allowed Millie to be a little girl again, to play with toys and be free from machines and hospital beds. Starlight also supported us as a family and gave us a chance to pause and feel like a normal family again.”
The family’s usual routine has been put on hold as they focus on Millie’s recovery. She missed daycare and had to stay at home for long stretches to reduce the risk of further infections.
Millie loves playing outside with her dog or feeding the chickens, so being stuck indoors has been challenging for their “little explorer.”
“Our priority has been supporting Millie’s recovery and helping her feel safe and comfortable again after such an intense hospital experience.” mum said.
While the family awaits the latest results from the infectious diseases team, Millie has achieved some big milestones including finishing her antibiotics, returning to daycare and most exciting of all, celebrating her second birthday at home with her family.
Describing Starlight’s impact, Maddi said; “Fun, laughter and play in hospital helps children feel like themselves again, reducing stress and distracting them from pain. It builds confidence and resilience, turning frightening or boring moments into opportunities for connection and hope. Starlight transformed an incredibly difficult hospital experience, bringing light and joy that we’ll remembered forever. I always thought Starlight was only for children who’ve been in hospital for long stints or with terminal illnesses. I was amazed that it caters for all children of different ages, regardless of their diagnosis and length of time in hospital.”
