Helping Princess Leah (why Star Wars fans rock)

Some of the kindest people I know are Star Wars fans.  A coincidence?  I don't think so.
Being a Star Wars fan means being a member of a worldwide community, almost an extended family.  If you are in any number of groups like the 501st, the Rebel Legion, or the Mando Mercs, the bonds go even deeper.  In the past several weeks, the Star Wars community (and so many others) have shown an outpouring of love and support for a baby girl called Princess Leah.

Art by Dave Liew

Leah is four months old and very ill.  She's spent most of her life in the hospital.  She suffers from erratic eye and muscle movements that are almost constant.  She has a hard time sleeping because of that, and she uses a trachea tube to help her breathe.  She's been through a battery of invasive tests and tried more medications than most of us can imagine.  The doctors are trying to help.- but her symptoms are a mystery.   

Leah's parents - Zev and Frani - are spending every moment with their daughter and fighting alongside her.  They are posting updates on her condition at Princess Leah's Diaries.  They include specifics because there is hope that someone will read those posts and know exactly what is happening to Leah.  Additionally, a lot of people have come to care about this little girl and this is an easy way for the family to keep everyone updated.  And I do mean a lot of people  Word about Princess Leah is spreading beyond the Star Wars community.  KTLA news recently covered their story.

Spending so much time at the hospital is taking a financial toll on the family, and you can help.  You can send donations to help pay medical costs, living expense, etc directly through Chip In, or you can enter a raffle for a staggering number of Star Wars prizes.

If you aren't able to donate, just spread the word.  Maybe there are doctors that will recognize the medical condition or families that have been through this.  The more people that read about Leah, the greater the chance that someone can help her and her family.