Liam from Brantford was one of 15 children facing serious or life-altering illnesses, alongside their families, who embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime train journey through the stunning Canadian Rockies on September 26, 2024.
Liam, who is 12-years-old, battles heart disease and has already undergone one heart surgery at just four-months-old, with another on the horizon. His medical conditions take a big toll on his daily routine, affecting his energy and ability to learn in school.
This extraordinary two-day trip, from Banff, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia, was generously donated by Rocky Mountaineer in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada. The trip provided these deserving children and their families a rare opportunity to leave behind hospital visits and treatments, and instead embrace joy, laughter, and moments of connection.
Thanks to the support of Aeroplan and the Air Canada Foundation, the families were flown to Banff from cities across Canada, where they were welcomed with fun activities and a special meet-and-greet to kick off the adventure.
During the train journey, the families were treated to exciting surprises and engaging in-cabin entertainment, including a caricature artist and Captain Starlight, the foundation’s beloved superhero.
“This experience is about more than just taking a break from the medical worries, it’s about creating joyful memories that help restore the smiles of our Starlight children,” said Brian Bringolf, CEO of Starlight Canada. “We are profoundly grateful to Rocky Mountaineer and the Air Canada Foundation for making this incredible trip possible for the third consecutive year. In a child’s journey filled with hospital visits, medications, and treatments, meaningful experiences like these create vital moments of joy and hope, allowing families to reconnect and recharge.”
“Over the past three years, our team has partnered with Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada to create a welcoming, restful, and rejuvenating experience for children and families onboard our trains,” added Nicole Ford, Vice President, Communications, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations for Rocky Mountaineer. “Our team truly loves hosting the families and doing whatever possible to ensure they can relax, connect, and enjoy a memorable experience together.”
“At the Air Canada Foundation, one of our core areas of focus is providing hope for children facing adversity,” said Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, Director, Community Engagement at Air Canada. “We hope this unforgettable journey brings the children on this trip renewed strength, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, their dreams—no matter how big or small—are within reach.”
This heartwarming trip marks the third consecutive year that Rocky Mountaineer and the Air Canada Foundation have teamed up with Starlight Canada to offer this unforgettable experience to children and their families.
