Children wore costumes, played games, meandered through a box maze, created crafts, and won raffle prizes.

Starlight’s Great Escapes program provides monthly events for families with a child dealing with a serious or chronic illness.  At these events, families have a chance to relax, regroup and return to their normal routine of doctor's offices and hospitals with a renewed sense of hope. 

It was the carnival’s safe environment, a mother said, that she appreciated most. While her three children busied themselves with activities, she watched on—relieved and relaxed. In the same room, other families also celebrated Halloween and other milestones. A young Spiderman celebrated his seventh birthday and won a giant Pokemon statue in a raffle. Another little boy got out of his wheelchair to kick a soccer ball into a goal over and over again.

It was unanimous: the carnival lived up to everyone’s expectations.  Families had a great time.

Starlight’s Great Escapes program currently serves over 380 families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, putting on over 20 events each year.  For more information about Starlight, visit www.starlight.org/Texas.