A brave young Jedi named Eli

I learned about Eli Lana's rare blood disorder from a post ("The Force is Strong in Him!") by TK-9849 of Action Figure Empire. In an interview with whec.com, Eli's mother Mary Ann Lana revealed that Eli suffers from Fanconi Anemia, " an inherited disease that prevents your bone marrow from making platelets and red blood cells, making white blood cells the way it should and you body needs all those things to fight off infection heal cuts and things like that.”

A bone marrow drive as well as a Toys for Eli drive was initiated by the community (the Lana family lives in Hilton, NY) and good friends such as TK-9849 and the 501st Legion.

Eli is only 6 years old and I could empathize with the Lana family, having a 6 year old son myself, Gboy, who was also diagnosed with a congenital heart disease when he was 5. According to the article, Eli is a passionate Star Wars fan and although I may not be able to send him toys because of the distance, I wanted to give him something that would at least cheer him up...

In case any of you would like to send toys, donations or get well cards, please check out the post from AFE, Reach Out With the Force: Another Way To Help Eli And His Family!

May the healing Force of the Lord be with Eli!

The Galvanized Force

Just playin' around with some image editing software. Here's my take on the Skywalkers, the most famous family in the Star Wars universe. Only this time, instead of Anakin, Amidala, Luke and Leia, it's me, Marissa, Gboy and Yamee, haha!

My Star Wars Birthday Wish...

I'm turning a year older today, and though I may not be as old as Master Yoda, let me borrow his line:

"When 38 years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmmm?"

Kidding aside, I have a planet full of reasons to be thankful for. I thank the good Lord for blessing me with a wonderful family: a beautiful, loving wife, two smart and adorable kids; a job that squeezes out my creative juices and brings food to our table; friends that have been with me through thick and thin.

On my birthday, may the good Lord grant me:

Anakin's great love for his mom and Amidala...
Yoda's wisdom...
Luke's courage...
Han Solo's swagger and confidence...
Chewbacca's strength and loyalty...
Threepio's mastery of languages...
Artoo's technical wizardry...
Princess Leia's diplomatic savvy...
Grand Admiral Thrawn's intelligence...
Boba Fett's focus and durability...

...and may the Forces of good forever prevail over the Dark Side.