An Armidale woman who once spent eight months in hospital as a child is now giving back to the organisation that helped brighten some of her toughest days. Now almost 27, Holly Vidulich is taking part in this year’s Starlight Super Steps challenge, aiming to walk or run 620,000 steps throughout May to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The annual fundraiser encourages Australians to complete daily steps throughout the month to help support seriously ill and hospitalised children through Starlight’s hospital programs and services.
For Holly, the challenge is deeply personal.
“I saw an ad for Starlight Super Steps, and the foundation immediately came to mind, and I remembered being in the hospital and saw it as an opportunity to give back,” she said.
Holly was just five years old when she suddenly lost the ability to walk due to an unknown virus behind her knee.
“I don’t remember too much being five years old. While I was in there I wasn’t able to walk so I was in a wheelchair most of the time besides bed and occupational therapy,” she said.
“I remember being between two ballet bars with an OT trying to take steps. There was a professional basketballer teaching us wheelchair basketball which made sitting in a wheelchair more exciting.”
Among her strongest memories from that difficult period were the visits from Starlight volunteers.
“I remember one day they brought a clown in and they taught us how to make juggling balls with balloons and rice and tried to teach us to juggle,” Holly said.
“It was really fun, and we were laughing the whole time.”
She said the organisation helped transform the hospital environment into something less frightening for children.
“Starlight helped make the idea of being in a hospital fun. It’s very easy as a kid to feel bored and being in a hospital for that long with not much colour, it felt miserable,” she said.
“But they gave you something to look forward to. The Starlight Express Room was the brightest and most colourful room in the hospital. It was fun and exciting, and I was with other kids having fun and laughing, which made it easier.”
This year marks Holly’s third consecutive Super Steps challenge, with her ambitious goal of averaging around 20,000 steps a day.
“Honestly, it has been hard, it takes about three hours every day for my goal,” she said.
“20,000 steps a day is a lot, and it’s an unrealistic step count for everyday, which I knew going into the challenge. Being a challenge, I didn’t want to make it too easy for myself.”
Despite the physical demands, Holly said the experience serves as a reminder of how far she has come.
“I just try to remember that there was a time I wasn’t able to take one step, so however many I do that day, whether I am sore or whatnot, it’s a blessing,” she said.
Holly said being able to support children now facing similar challenges has given her own experience greater meaning.
“Being in this position where I am able to give back feels transformative and purposeful,” she said.
“To use my own experiences and setbacks in a way to help provide the support and happiness that they need in hospital, feels empowering.”
She also encouraged others to support the fundraiser, saying even small contributions can make a lasting difference.
“I am almost 27 and I still remember how much fun I had in that Starlight room when I was five,” Holly said.
“You may not know how big of an impact it makes, but it truly does make the biggest difference in the world for those children.”
To learn more about the Starlight Supersteps Challenge or to donate to Holly’s fundraising efforts, visit her page on the Supersteps website.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now