Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Star Wars R2-KT: The Pink Imperial Droid with the Heart of Gold

Presenting R2-KT the Star Wars Universe's first and, so far, only Pink Imperial Droid with the Heart of Gold.  I purchase R2-KT around 2006 or 2007 not because I wanted a pink R2 unit, but because R2-KT was born as a result of a crippling disease that claims the lives of thousands every day. I've never felt the need to open this particular figure and probably never will because she was purchased not out of want, but as a very small way of giving to a cause worth fighting for.






R2-KT's story:

R2KT's blister card reads: "R2-KT was created in 2005 to honor Katie Johnson, a very special little 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 around 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 through 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.



To find out more about the 501st Legion, please go to 501st.com
To find out more about the R2-KT project, please go to r2kt.com
To find out more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and their philantropic efforts, please go to wish.org.

Additional artwork courtesy of Tsuneo Sanda as seen in r2kt.com



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