by: dankelzaga
On December 16th, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison joined forces to help a young Jedi Knight and his family in their battle against cancer. On Halloween of this year, young Jedi Matthew Litchfield (a huge Star Wars fan) was diagnosed with brain cancer. He has since been receiving ongoing treatment at the children's hospital in Ann Arbor. A fundraising event was held at the Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Michigan with a goal of providing funds to help Matthew's family with the medical costs associated with his fight.
On December 16th, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison joined forces to help a young Jedi Knight and his family in their battle against cancer. On Halloween of this year, young Jedi Matthew Litchfield (a huge Star Wars fan) was diagnosed with brain cancer. He has since been receiving ongoing treatment at the children's hospital in Ann Arbor. A fundraising event was held at the Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Michigan with a goal of providing funds to help Matthew's family with the medical costs associated with his fight.
 |
| Jedi "youngling" Matthew |
Rob Humphrey, a
friend of Matthew's family, decided to work on organizing an event to show
community support for Matthew. Given
that Matthew is a huge Star Wars fan, it was only natural that the theme of the
event revolved around "a galaxy far far away." The event was given the title of
"Fight Like a Jedi", and the slogan became not only the name for the
event, but the moniker for all aspects of young Matthew's ongoing brave battle.
Members of the community, Star
Wars fans/costumers, and even Lucasfilm rallied to the cause. Thirty artists -- each incredibly
talented -- created one of a kind licensed Star Wars sketches for Matthew. Copies of the artwork were combined into
a sketchbook that was available to purchase at the event. A silent auction, traditional auction,
sales of "Fight Like a Jedi" t-shirts and sketchbooks, along with
donations from local businesses all raised just shy of fifteen-thousand dollars
for young Matthew and his family. The highlight of the day was watching Matthew receive a
portfolio of all the original artwork as well as various other Star Wars
related tokens.
 |
| Shadow 6 and "Red Leader" |
Costumed
troopers from the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison, as well as R2-D2,
attended the event; bringing forth smiles from Matthew and all the attendees. The original "Red Leader" --
otherwise known as Santa -- was also in attendance to lend his support. Darth Vader even received a formal
lecture in the ramifications of being "naughty"!
The outpouring
of support and love witnessed during this event was both inspiring and
heartwarming. As members of these
Star Wars costuming organizations, we are often asked by the general public
just what the motivation is behind our "trooping." Words can't express the good feelings
that come from assisting in this sort of community endeavor. To share something that is so special
to us as Star Wars enthusiasts, in a way that truly makes a difference in a
child's life is an amazing privilege and gift.
“The life I
touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until
who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”
-- Frederick Buechner
Until next time,
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you!
As always, “stay
on target” and “straighten up and fly right!”
Lt. Daan Kelzaga
Shadow 6
Great Lakes Base
Rebel Legion
No comments:
Post a Comment