Chloe

Nine-year-old Chloe was diagnosed Herpes Encephalitis, commonly known as ‘cold sores on the brain’, when she was just 20 months old. Each cold sore causes brain death, while Encephalitis usually causes swelling that can be resolved with treatment; Chloe’s strain destroys brain cells.

Chloe was rushed to hospital after facial fitting and a high temperature and doctors gave her a 50 per cent chance of survival, with the expectation she would be severely debilitated if she lived.

Chloe’s gross motor skills have been severely affected and she had to learn how to walk, talk and eat again. She has been in and out of hospital with ongoing treatment as doctors attempt to prevent reoccurrence of the virus, but as she is such as rarity, there is no guarantee.  

“Developmental delay often causes Chloe to become frustrated as she desperately wants to be included with her seven brothers and sisters and finds it difficult to make friends at school,” says Chloe’s mum Helen. 

Chloe is at risk of again contracting the virus when she tires, is stressed and also once she reaches puberty.

Chloe has always been fascinated fish and the ocean and the family have dreamt of being able to take her to a place where she can see her favourite Disney character, Nemo. But with 8 children, the family have never been able to even contemplate a holiday, due to the expense. 

“Chloe loves Finding Nemo,” says Helen, “it’s her absolute favourite, and at home we have a marine tank with most of the Nemo characters in it”. 

So Chloe’s wish is for a family holiday along the Great Barrier Reef. The whole family are so excited for their very first holiday together.   

Starlight’s Wishgranting program delivers a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for seriously ill children to have their dream come true. Each wish is entirely individual, specially designed to give the child something to look forward to during their treatment and provide the family with many happy memories.