MEET OUR STARS
Peter Lubelczyk​
​
Peter Lubelczyk had a smile that would light up a room. Peter was a funny, loving and hardworking boy. Peter was diagnosed with Mitochondrial disease (affecting the gross motor skills throughout his body)at a very young age. Peter began physical therapy with Jared Goldstein (Founder of StarsforStars) at 3 ½ years old. Over the following 12+ years Jared and Peter developed a special bond and friendship. Initially Peter was unable to kick a soccer ball without falling over the ball. Through lots of hardwork, some tears and lots of laughs, Peter began playing little league like any other 8/9 year old.
Unfortunately, as Peter entered his teenage years, his physical capabilities diminished. Thankfully, through the Bennett Blazers program (an adaptive sports program) at Kennedy Krieger, Peter was able to continue to do what he loved, Play sports.
During these years, Jared’s physical therapy practice had already begun doing fundraising events. First softball tournaments, then curling events as fundraisers, with all proceeds going to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and Bennett Blazers adaptive sports program.
This program bought so much joy to Peter and many other children with disabilities. One other moment that would be a lifetime memory for Peter and his family, was when he got a behind the scenes tour and opportunity to be at a Philadelphia Eagles game (his favorite team).
It is in Peter Lubelczyk’s honor that StarsForStars was created. The opportunity to continue to put smiles on children’s faces going through adverse life events, is why StarsforStars exists today.
Peter was the spark for all our future “Stars”
Emma Sorenson
​
Emma Sorenson a bright, beautiful thirteen-year-old from Florida is our first star. A sweet, intelligent, funny young teenage girl with her whole life ahead of her. It came to our attention that Emma had recently been given a heartbreaking medical diagnosis, stage IV Glioblastoma. A devastating and unexpected blow to a child and her beautiful loving family. We followed her story through social media and her mother Kelley was kind enough to share Emma’s journey with us. We were especially moved by the incredible amount of support for Emma and the Sorenson family. We came to know that one of Emma’s passions was being a competitive cheerleader and the planning for her day to be a “star” with us began. Through the incredible generosity of the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge program we were able to plan a day for Emma to be a star, smile and hang out with her family. The Miami Dolphins organization arranged for her family to all come and meet the Dolphins Cheerleading squad. They made accommodations to have a special meet and greet along with a photo session in the practice studio, gave tickets to the game along with passes to go on the field for kickoff and see the cheerleaders warming up.
​
Spending the day with Emma and her family was an unforgettable experience. Emma is an extraordinary young lady. Her smile is what we love most about her. Despite her illness she has kept her ability to smile. She is gracious and kind, not shy when talking about of her diagnosis and how it has affected her life and so very brave. Her incredible disposition is a source of strength for her family and to everyone around her. We formed a very special bond with Emma and the Sorenson family - her incredibly loving parents and her super cool brother. Kelley and Mike (mom and dad) and Michael (brother) are amazing and full of unconditional love. We continue to tell all who will listen about our first star and the impact she has had on us.
