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Case Studies
Murray's Starlight Story Fourteen-year-old Murray is the youngest in his family of six, with three other members also seriously ill. Murray's condition is life-threatening and affects his lungs and digestive system, meaning he spends much time in hospital being treated for infections, in fact 14 times over the past five years. Despite his condition, Murray is an extremely positive and upbeat teenager. His disposition and outlook on life is inspirational. ‘I’m in hospital too often but you put up with it, you deal with it. Hospital is somewhere you don’t want to be, but it’s something that has to happen and life is how it is’, commented Murray. In 2006, Murray’s Starlight Wish to meet Lleyton Hewitt was granted. ‘It was one of the best experiences you could ever have in your life, he is my idol, and my hero.’ The friendship formed between the two extended past the initial wish. A few months ago Murray was invited to attend “This Is Your Life” for Lleyton Hewitt, where he explained how Lleyton is an inspiration for him to keep fighting and never give up. Lleyton was so touched by this he invited Murray and his 24-yaer-old brother Geoff (who also has Cystic Fibrosis) to watch the Davis Cup in Townsville and sit on the players bench with the Australian Team. Murray tossed the coin for the commencement of the tournament and was treated as a mate of Lleyton’s. Murray is an incredible individual whose bravery and compassion always shines through. ‘For me, as a teenager, you just get to hang out with the Captains and you get to just talk to them, muck around, watch movies and play games – just do what you want. The other good part is people are all sad when they come in but when they go out they’ve got a smile on their face – I reckon that’s the best part about Starlight.’ 
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