ALAYNA Campbell has not had an easy first 14 years of life, so the Starlight Children’s Foundation stepped in to create a space just for her.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The year 9 Crusoe College student received a room makeover, which was revealed last Friday afternoon.
When offered a wish from Starlight, Alayna requested a new room because “it’s better than holidays and it will last a lot longer”.
Alayna was born with a small upper airway and spent the first three months of her life in intensive care.
Alayna has endured a relentless round of hospital stays and painful surgeries that will continue for many years to come.
She had a tracheostomy until age three to help her breathe and also had a shunt placed in her head to relieve fluid build-up.
She began to lose her vision about a year ago and is now legally blind.
Alayna and her mother Rayleen were treated to a makeover and lunch at the Boardwalk before her new room was unveiled.
“This is awesome,” she said, after the big reveal.
Mother Rayleen Campbell said she was grateful for the generosity of Starlight and various businesses that chipped in to make Alayna’s dream a reality.
“It’s been a long haul,” she said.
“I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream.”
Starlight wish giver Belinda Dess said many Bendigo individuals and businesses had offered their time and goods to complete the project.
“A lot of people have been very generous,” she said.
“Make Your House a Home, Kangaroo Flat Lions Club, Lois McBain, Tahlie Hoffman Control and Design, Rosiland Carpets, John Nolda, Skinners, Mitre10 and various suppliers to MYHAH were all involved in the project.
“This is something permanent; somewhere just for her.”