Martha Fasoulas
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 1998

Martha Fasoulas’ job description could include the title ‘fairy godmother’. After all, she is responsible for making sure that over 200 wishes come true each year. And to make that even more special, she grants those wishes to sick children as the Starlight Foundation’s Wishgranting Coordinator for NSW, the ACT and the Northern Territory.

She applied to work with the Starlight Foundation as a volunteer while she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree at UOW in 1998.

“It was a case of right time, right place, because a paid administration role was available, which I took gleefully! That led to many more opportunities, finally fulfilling my own ‘wish’ to run the Wishgranting program three years ago,” Martha says.

“The Foundation’s goal is to create meaningful and life-changing wish experiences for seriously ill children aged between four and 18. It’s the kind of medicine no doctor can prescribe – smiles, laughter and the magic of having your dream come true.”

“Wishes can range from the simple to the extravagant, but it’s the simple requests that are the most heart-warming – like a little five-year old boy with a life-threatening brain tumour whose biggest wish was to have a birthday party and turn four again. When I asked him why he said: ‘Because when I was four I wasn’t sick’. Knowing this would be his final birthday party, with tremendous support from the Illawarra community we were able to organise an unforgettable party with jumping castles, an animal farm, party food and decorations – and a room full of presents.”

Martha loves her job and is inspired daily by a quote from a child who received a wish experience. To encourage staff and volunteers of the Starlight Foundation, the child wrote: “One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of home I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”

“The most important thing I have learned is that the day to day trivialities we whinge about really have no importance when you are making a difference in the life of a sick child, who hasn’t or may never have, the chance to live their life to the fullest.”

Martha said her time at UOW was not just about studying for a degree.

“It was a life experience. Uni opened the doors of a world of knowledge, and the kind that isn’t restricted to just lectures and tutorials. The learning environment was fantastic, and it was very encouraging to have wonderfully supportive teachers… in addition to the lifelong friendships I formed with amazing people.”