Being a nerd (I promise I'll stop opening with that one of these days) I patrol various websites that are related to my "field of study". There are more than one of these sites dedicated to various aspects of George Lucas' Star Wars Saga.

Not long ago on one site that has to do primarily with collecting memorabilia (www.rebelscum.com)- I came upon an article about a special action figure that was floating about out there. It was basically a pink version of R2-D2 that has quite a back story and carries the moniker of R2-KT.

I snapped up one of these lovelies over at the official Star Wars Shop website. The following is a picture of R2-KT and the description that follows is the text that appears on the back of the package.

"R2-KT was created in 2005 to honor Katie Johnson, a very special girl who tragically passed away from brain cancer on August 9, 2005 at the age of seven. Her father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that performs charity work across the world. Katie had a special wish" to visit Walt Disney World. Through the generosity of the Make a Wish Foundation, Katie's wish was granted. Then one more special dream came true. Katie's sister, Allie, was inspired one day while watching 'Attack of the Clones', in which R2-D2 watches over the sleeping Padme. Allie thought how great it would be if Artoo could watch over Katie while she underwent treatment, and for the droid to be named 'KT' after her sister. The R2 Builders Club made Allie's idea a reality by creating a unique R2 unit especially for Katie. The 501st Legion approached Hasbro with the idea of producing a figure to commemorate R2-KT. This inspired Hasbro and Lucasfilm to help make more wishes come true for children like Katie. Hasbro and Lucasfilm together are donating $100,000 in Katie's memory to the Make a Wish Foundation of South Carolina and San Diego."

It's a heartbreaking and heartwarming story at the same time. Here's some links to find out more:
www.501st.com
www.r2kt.com
www.wish.org

And if you're like me, you'll want this link, too:
http://shop.starwars.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=414132;category_...

It's been a long entry but I think it was probably worth it. I'll see ya later!

P.S.- Go see 'Iron Man' this weekend!!!