Toronto So at CompuSmart a little boy came in that loved Star Wars...

This little boy and his father walked into the store yesterday with a lightsaber. The father wanted to know if we could open it so he could buy batteries. I ended up talking to him, and asking if they really liked Star Wars, since I saw a few action figures, and a vader mask as well. Turns out the little boy is 3 1/2 years old, and is in Toronto because he's having something like his 4th open heart surgery. He loves Star Wars, and only talks about Star Wars.

So the father asked if there was anywhere he could pick up some more really cool action figures for the little boy (his name is Taj). I directed him to the Silver Snail, and gave him the address and a print out of the directions. I then realized that SFX was coming up. The family is going to be here for about a month, so I gave the father a huge pamplet I got from SFX in the mail. I told him the guy that played R2D2 was going to be there (Kenny Baker) and the guy who did the voice of Grevious (Matthew Wood). The little boy LOVES R2D2 as well, so I gave the father my email, so he could get in contact with me for when Alex (if R2 is going to be there, is he?) is in the building.

Then the Taj (the little boy) put on his vader mask and held the lightsaber up and swung it around a bit, showing he was a jedi. He then pulled up the mask and looked at me and said, "You're Beautiful" (awwwwwwwwwwwww... I hate little kids, but this kid was just so touching). The two of them left, and I was left with a great story.

So today the father comes in again, to thank me for directing him to Silver Snail. Someone that works there is going to end up bringing a bunch of Star Wars action figures for Taj at the hospital. The father bought Taj 2 FX lightsabers there as well, and a few other things.

The dad ended up buying a mouse and keyboard, and then left me his email address and the information about his son. The son is named Taj Reveen, and is 3 1/2 years old. He has Hypo Plastic Left Heart Syndrome. The dad left me his email as well.

I hope Taj will be alright. God, that was heart breaking to see. Now maybe if I could get some Star Wars folks together we could make this little kid's experience a much more enjoyable one. Anyone up for the challenge with me?

 

That would be a great idea and I would be in for that, anything to make one so young happy!

Great little story Tessa

 

i'm in!!!



(what can we do??)

 

What I was thinking was either before (which may be a bit too soon) or after his surgery (after he's out of intensive care) we visit Taj, and the rest of his ward. Let them take pictures with us and the such as well. Of course I'd be contacting the ward, and the hospital before hand to make sure it's alright. Maybe we could make a little care basket for Taj as well. I could always dig up some cool Star Wars stuff for the kid.

 

I'd be up for it... but you really would have to check with the hospital... they don't normally let in many costumed people... for fear of scaring the kids (as Troopers and Vader tend to do)...

Though maybe an outdoor event in a park outside the hospital... that would still have to be investigated with the hospital... and problably letting the Toronto Poice know... (guns and strange costumes again)...

Still an excellent idea...

 

If he's at the con, send him to my table and I'll draw him something Or one of you guys can come over and I'll draw something and you can deliver it.

I'm at A72

 

That is very touching. I wish the best for Taj. Let me know if there's anything I could do... I have no costuming skills, but I'm willing to help out any way I can.

 

I will be at SFX with R2 most likely Fri and Sat. SAturday is hte best. I will spend most of the time in the Serenity Fan table A118.

I hope there is room to park R2 there

I have started a thread with the 501st but we need some sort of contact with Sick Kids. Tessa do you konw someone who works there?


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

 

if we are going to give him toys, lets make a list of the toys we are going to give him.
in order to be able to give him different ones

 

In regards to a hospital visit, I agree with what alex said. I feel the effort is better spent on more than one child. If 501st were to go to, say Sick Kids, it would be much more rewarding and fair to visit a handful of children, even entertain in the kids room (I don't know the name, but it's like the room kids can play in when not layed up in the bed). I don't prefer as much to focus all efforts on one child, even if he's a big star wars fan; there are lots of kids who could have their day brightened.

 

I completely agree Nick, and I think the ward would perfer that as well.

The father of Taj (Ty is his name btw) is getting a contact for me from Sick Kids that I can speak to, and should get back to me by the weekend about that. Every floor at Sick Kid's does have a "Kids Room", and there are also a few other rooms, like Rec Rooms, on a few of the floors where the kids go.

 

I'd be up for something depending on the date. Like Alex said, this was posted on the 501st group to generate some interest. Looks like a couple others are interested as well.

 

I'd be up for something as well, schedule permitting of course.

 

Hey all.

Myself and 3 of my 501st guys went to CHEO recently to do a tour of duty for the kids. It was a great exepreince. Seeing the kids faces light up was so rewarding. It was a bit rushed. We were supposed to be there for 2 hours, and ended up only staying for 1. We were a bit dissapointed. But next time, it will be better planned.

If you guys are thinking of doing this, go for it!! You will love the experience! I know I did. I was Darth Vader, and only one kid was afraid of me. He hid behind his father the hole time we were in the room!

But most fo all, as will all tours of duty...Have Fun!!

 

I havn't gotten an email back from the dad in over 2 weeks. Don't know what happened

 

I actually met the dad and his daughter on the Friday as I was setting up the Serenity fantable.

I was putting up the banner stands and he saw the R2 Banner just before we were going to cover it with posters and stuff. We chatted for a bit and I gave him my business card he can use as a contact. Hopefully he will get back to me soon.

It was a chance meeting as half an hour later the banners would not have been recognizable.


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

 

Really? That's fantastic. Did he say how his son was doing?

... did you ask if he checked his email?