Pediatric cancer patients in Louisville get special screening of new ‘Star Wars’ movie

Cancer patients in northern Kentucky had a special screening of the latest “Star Wars” movie Saturday morning.

Forty-three cancer survivors and patients gathered for a private viewing of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” at a Louisville theater, WLKY reported. The screening was the brainchild of Aiden Johnson, a 15-year-old “Star Wars” fan and a two-time cancer survivor, the television station reported.

The screening was sponsored by Johnson’s group, Aiden’s Legacy, and the Teen Warrior program at Louisville’s Norton Cancer Institute.

Johnson, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2007, when he was 3, said he was a big “Star Wars” fan.

“Space and lasers and fighting,” Johnson told WAVE-TV. “What’s not to love?”

Volunteers with the Bluegrass Garrison 501st Legion dressed up as characters from “Star Wars.” The teens were given “Star Wars” Lego sets, WLKY reported.

Aiden’s Legacy collects Legos for children battling cancer and also raises money to support pediatric cancer care at Norton Children’s Hospital, according to the organization’s website.

The consensus among the patients was positive as they filed into the theater.

“It’s amazing. I wouldn’t have it any better,” Kaleb Visse told WAVE.

“These kids share a special bond that they just want to be normal and hang out,” Johnson’s father, Jason Johnson, told the television station. “That’s exactly what they’re doing today, hanging out and watching a movie.”

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