Much like the Rebel Forces facing the Empire, Chris Baker is
battling powers larger than himself, namely The Walt Disney Company, in the
hopes of bringing “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” to kids fighting cancer. Though
he’s received no word from Disney officials, Baker has gotten some
encouragement from Jedi Luke Skywalker, or rather actor Mark Hamill, who
tweeted, “So proud to have you as a member of the Resistance. The Force will be
with you always.”
Baker, 24, is a graduate of Seton High School in Manassas, a
parishioner of St. Veronica Church in Chantilly and the drummer in the local
band the Duskwhales. In October, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and
underwent surgery. Now, he is receiving chemotherapy because it spread to his
lymph nodes.
While in the hospital last week recovering from a fever, Baker
realized he might not be able to see the new blockbuster, which premiered Dec. 15.
He knew there were others, especially children, who would be too ill to leave
the hospital as well. So he took to social media to petition Disney to allow
cancer patients to stream the movie from inside their hospital rooms.
Ever since he was a kid, Baker has loved the “Star Wars” films.
He and other members of the Duskwhales even had a photoshoot dressed as Han,
Luke and Leia a few years ago. His petitioning social media posts are filled
with photos, quotes and gifs that pay homage to the movies. “If it wasn’t
obvious enough from the tweets, I love the original movies,” he said.
A few days before the film’s release, NASA confirmed that
astronauts on the International Space Station would be able to watch the new
Star Wars film, but no such luck for others who, as Baker put it, are “trapped
like Han in carbonite.”
“They’re basically living out ‘Star Wars’ in real life,” said
Baker of the astronauts. “Why doesn't Disney take this power (and show the
movie) to those going through something terrible and who want to see it?”
Fortunately, Baker was discharged from the hospital in time to
see the film on the big screen, with the admonition from his doctors that he
should wear a face mask to the theater. Baker wore black clothes, a mask and
gloves, but blended right in as Kylo Ren, the film’s villain. “I really liked ‘The
Last Jedi,’ ” he said. “The director took it in a really good direction.”
Though he was able to see “Star Wars,” he’s keeping the petition
alive for those who are still unable to leave the hospital. “Being in this
situation is stressful and terrifying in so many ways, but it's weirdly helped
inspire me to try new creative things,” whether it be new music or this campaign.
“‘Star Wars’ has kept me going.”
Learn more
Sign the petition here.