Finding Happy: Starlight Founder Peter Samuelson’s Journey
It began by delivering happiness.
In 1982, filmmaker Peter Samuelson and his cousin, actress Emma Samms, received a call about a young boy named Sean, who was battling a terminal brain tumor. What Sean wanted more than anything was to go to Disneyland. Peter and Emma made that dream come true. They flew Sean and his mother to Los Angeles for a dream vacation. It was a small act of kindness that sparked happiness—and changed everything.
An idea formed: what if happiness could be a regular part of living with a serious illness?
With a background in storytelling and a heart for making a difference, Peter set out to create early partnerships that quickly evolved from a simple idea into global entities, transforming the hospital experience for sick kids worldwide.
The collaborations were about big ideas—connecting kids in hospitals, reducing isolation, and creating joy through innovation and imagination. That spark of creativity and shared purpose set the tone for what Starlight became—an organization rooted in compassion, powered by connection and committed to delivering happiness.
Peter's remarkable story— the Hollywood moments and the heartfelt mission behind them—is captured in his new book, Finding Happy, published by Regalo Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster.
“Life is introductions, networking and developing the most powerful, emotional pitch to propel your ideas into the hearts and minds of others whenever you can engineer an opportunity to be heard.”
- Peter Samuelson, Finding Happy
Happiness isn't something we find; it's something we create. Often, it's through giving service to others. At Starlight, we see that every day. Whether it's through a hospital gown featuring beloved characters or a gaming station that boosts a child's mood, happiness is a transformative experience. And thanks to Peter's vision, we'll never stop delivering it.
Read more about Peter Samuelson's gripping adventures and misadventures and how to find your own unique and personal happy. Find your copy at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, BAM, Bookshop, Hudson Booksellers, Target and Walmart.
