Phasma meets TK -11 at the Stollery Children's Hospital

[Soulart[TK]]

TK 41307/Soulart reporting in from The Badlands Garrison Alberta 

 

OK.... This is something that rips my heart apart, yet is so vital to who we are, what we do, and why we give of ourselves. The fundamental foundation of what makes me who I am, and why I chose to join the Legion and give of myself to all those that may need anything I could contribute. 

 

I'll give you a bit of history first, then launch into Sundays troop.

Meet Declan. A young boy that I had the privilege of meeting for his birthday wish one year ago. 

I was one of 4 troopers that went in this initial hospital visit, for this special request. I was the contact for this meeting and met 3 others I had never trooped with. 2 of which, had never trooped before! This experience bonded the 4 of us in ways only something of this magnitude can. 

It was brutal to see this one, so young, so ill. Declan was just diagnosed with a rare, adult form of leukemia, and we were his wish. 

Afterwards, I began sending pics to cheer him up whenever I  put armor on as this boy eats, sleeps, breathes Star Wars. It cheered him up so greatly. 

 

Another chance visit followed and he was SO deteriorated, he was giving up hope.....and then other things happened. We built him his own set of armor after he wished he could be a be a StormTrooper like me, (I love Walts Trooper Factory for this) , made him an honorary member of our Garrison in December, A Facebook page was created for others to send pics and messages as it was so helpful for him. All of which  are other field reports I have yet to report in on.... Ugh. I need more hours in a day! 

 

I've gone to other visits to cheer Declan up, because his girl Trooper was requested, but none have impacted me as this one has. 

This one hit me full Force as to the impact we have in the lives of others, or what a difference we can make. What hope we can instill... 

 

Declan's mom reached out to me to disclose how poorly he was doing. I felt helpless... what could I do? The Doctors indicated his mental state was so poor, his health and recovery was being so negatively affected, they wondered if I could visit? They were calling in specialists to determine how they could help him. My name kept coming up. Of course I agreed to go. I'd do whatever I could!!!!!

 

On Sunday, a very impromptu private visit was pulled together quickly to boost our little TK-11 's spirit. At a request from Declan's Doctors, psychiatrist, medical team and family, I agreed to go. 
I drove 5.5 hours in the hopes I could go see him. I packed both my TK and Phasma..just in case.  So often he was not well enough for me to go... he spent months and months in hospital after his transplant with no leaving... 
This last hospital admission crushed what was left of his spirit, and that  of his familys as well.  It was decided that this would be the time Declan met Captain Phasma. We talked about how we could do this in the past.... As his girl Trooper meant so much to him. I concocted An elaborate story, and discussed it with his Special ops troopers. I asked if I could bring a few with me to help with the validity of the plan. 

Here we go... Declan was greeted by the Captain in her deep British voice, and he was a bit leary...  bit tentative. Bit frightened.  In the visit, Phasma told Declan she had something she wished to discuss with him in private, and he timidly said "OK......"  the troopers were dismissed, and Commander Sal was given permission to remove her helmet. But before he did, tk11 was told that Phasma had been on a mission in which he was involved, and that it was time to reveal her secret to him. 
As soon as he saw my face, he was in awe! Pure shock and glee!  He grinned and all fear left his eyes! "It's you! My girl Trooper is Captain of all the storm troopers?" 
I then spoke as myself, and told him I'd been undercover, watching these troopers. To see if they were following orders, I told him I'd been scouting for new first order candidates, to see whom was worthy. Keeping my eyes on them all, And had to assume the place of a TK so no one would suspect. So I could blend in. Then I met him and I knew he had to be a part of my Legion.
And as Captain Phasma, that was why he was selected to be a trooper. Because the Order needed a strong, courageous, brave Young trooper. His eyes teared up and he said "That's why you chose me." Yes Declan.   
I asked him if he wanted the other troopers to then be told. He elected to keep this our secret! He thought it best if they didn't know! Because he thought they might slack or goof off if they knew. 
So..... His girl troopers true  identity belongs to him, and that he was chosen by Captain Phasma to become one of her special Troopers, seemed to make all the difference to him.
We put my helmet back on, and I immediately began speaking in my best Phasma voice. He grinned ear to ear. Called back the troops, and I went back to observing their behavior. Overseeing. He watched me like a hawk! This Child misses nothing! 
The visit ended with the troopers saying goodbye,  and I escorted him back to his room where again I removed my helmet and became regular girl Trooper  and we discussed the visit and how he felt. I told him I needed to go and check on the tks to be sure they left the hospital, then I'd come back as I had gifts from Legion members to give him. 
He was so thrilled. Elated. I've never seen him smile like this. EVER! 

I returned with goodies, had a private visit, and I asked him again if we should keep it a secret. Yep. He thought it infinitely cool to know this secret, and kept saying how cool it was that I really am Phasma. That he knew I was special and the leader of the group, but to be the captain of all troopers, made me the best I could ever be in his eyes. 
The hospital staff have not seen him so happy, and the secret mission was a success. It's sole intent was to pull him back from a very dark place emotionally,  which is hurting his physical health and recovery.. We succeeded. 

 

I choked on sorrow in my helmet as I watched him be lifted from his wheelchair to be placed back in his bed. 

I honestly hope one day, this little boy becomes strong enough to wear his armor, and meet the Garrison to which he belongs to, and To troop alongside of so many of us he has not yet met. That he gets to do the good in it he hopes to do. 

 

I have since learnt that he had to call his grand parents, Dad, tell hospital staff that he was chosen. That he was needed. That he had to get better as his girl Trooper really is Captain Phasma and she personally selected him to be one of her special Troopers.... That I really am cool. And because I chose him, he must really be important.... There's hope again in that child's eyes.    

What does my Phasma or TK now represent to me? Not abs, not  characters from a movie we love, not  cool costumes, no.... She is now hope. 

She  somehow means the world to this child, and if clinging to her means he clings to this life, I shall forever be his Captain, and be there whenever he has need of her. 

 

 

Thank you to Ben, Ollie, Marlon, Travis, Jon, Jon, Louise and Sal for making yourselves available to myself on this day, and ultimately to Declan. 

 

I'm so sorry I could not have had this requested as a public event. And involved all in our Garrison. Declans health and mental state was too fragile, and it was not suggested. One day I sure hope we can have a huge Event. And he gets to finally put on that armor and stand side by side with his fellow troopers. With a Garrison and members I love so much. 

 

(I still have not mastered uploading pics of this day, but if you wish to see them, please go visit his D CLAN Special Ops Facebook page and see the posting ) 

Or if anyone has a suggestion on how to upload pics since we can't access tap a talk, please let me know! 

 

It is my honor to troop amongst you all. 

XO 

Teresa/Soulart/TK 41307 

Declan's Girl Trooper 

Badlands Garrison Alberta 

[Pyrates[TK]]

Shiver me timbers - right in the heart strings!

 

Absolutely phenomenal work Teresa, of course I would expect nothing less at this point with your track record.

 

I know that Declan Special Ops has been filled with a roller coaster of ups and downs - I truly commend your efforts with a salute and my bucket off to you, as well as the other  Troopers who were able to attend to on this day.

 

Keep pressing forward TK - 41307, we all stand strong beside you - every step of the way.

 

[Pyrates[TK]]

This link will help you to figure out Uploading Images from DropBox

- special thanks to "Mechapumpkin"

 

 

[Artshot]

Now that is what it's all about.

[tkrestonva[TK]]

Love this. Well done.

[Btabc[TK]]

Well done!  I've actually got one planned as well for when I DO get my armor finished (EXTREMELY close, just have a few straps to finish and then submissions).  There is a friend of mine and their child has SMA.  She's been beating the odds, but when winter hits she has to stay indoors due to being terminally ill.  That's one of the first trips I'll be making back to the state I grew up in/moved from.  She is a HUGE fan of star wars and this inspires me to go and see her soon, while also braving the winter!!!  

 

To possibly add to your list of possible photo hosting needs, like @Pyrates mentions, you could also use Imgur.

[magni[TK]]

Well done Teresa!

[Soulart[TK]]

Thank the gods of Tapatalk!!!!! I'm so very grateful for the ease of this app.....
Here's some pics!!!!!
Please enjoy them


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Edited July 22, 2021 by gmrhodes13
link not working removed

[DEVOLVER[501st]]

I'm so glad you and the other troopers were able to help brighten Declan's day. It's so important for those with terrible illnesses and in intensive treatments to stay positive and have experiences to hold on to and look forward to, as I've seen first hand with family members. I hope things improve for this brave young man and I hope you're able to see him again many more times. I look forward to a post where we can see him healthy and in his armor. 

[Bulldog44[TK]]

Thanks for sharing this Teresa!  Awesome work being done in the empire!

[Soulart[TK]]

I'm so glad you and the other troopers were able to help brighten Declan's day. It's so important for those with terrible illnesses and in intensive treatments to stay positive and have experiences to hold on to and look forward to, as I've seen first hand with family members. I hope things improve for this brave young man and I hope you're able to see him again many more times. I look forward to a post where we can see him healthy and in his armor. 

I hope we get to see him many more times as well. Healthy. Happy. Running around having saber battles with his Sister.
I certainly hope to report back with a pic of him in his TK. He has been doing better, and celebrated his 7th birthday on the 24th!
Last years birthday, saw us meeting him for the first time in Hospital at the beginning of his terrible diagnosis.
I love seeing photos of him with his hair growing back

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[Soulart[TK]]

Thanks for sharing this Teresa!  Awesome work being done in the empire!

Yes sir. Great work all around. By all!

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[Soulart[TK]]

Well done!  I've actually got one planned as well for when I DO get my armor finished (EXTREMELY close, just have a few straps to finish and then submissions).  There is a friend of mine and their child has SMA.  She's been beating the odds, but when winter hits she has to stay indoors due to being terminally ill.  That's one of the first trips I'll be making back to the state I grew up in/moved from.  She is a HUGE fan of star wars and this inspires me to go and see her soon, while also braving the winter!!!  
 
To possibly add to your list of possible photo hosting needs, like [mention=25147]Pyrates[/mention] mentions, you could also use Imgur.

If there's anything I can do to help her smile, just say the word! If I can send a pic or message, just tell me where! Xo
(I'm ever so grateful Tap a Talk is back up and running!) But thank you for the suggestions!

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[Soulart[TK]]

Shiver me timbers - right in the heart strings!
 
Absolutely phenomenal work Teresa, of course I would expect nothing less at this point with your track record.
 
I know that Declan Special Ops has been filled with a roller coaster of ups and downs - I truly commend your efforts with a salute and my bucket off to you, as well as the other  Troopers who were able to attend to on this day.
 
Keep pressing forward TK - 41307, we all stand strong beside you - every step of the way.
 

Shiver me timbers.
Arggghhhh me scurvy TK Twin!
You are very kind. Thank you. Xo

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[Soulart[TK]]

Now that is what it's all about.

xo

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[Soulart[TK]]

Love this. Well done.

Thank you. XO

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[Soulart[TK]]

Well done Teresa!

Thank you. XO

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[Parquette[TK]]

Nicely done! This is what the Legion is all about, and I hope that this never goes away! I've always wanted to do something like this with my costume.

[silverdollar22[TK]]

My heart goes out to both of you. I've been keeping up with this story of Declan since it started. This story brought tears to this old TK's eyes and made me determined to try my best to make a little boy or girls troubles a little less overwhelming. Thank you again for the story, the hope and the update.

 

                           TK-42195

[Soulart[TK]]

Just to let you know, Declan has been doing pretty good lately! Mom just sent me a pic, and his hair is starting to grow in. He has eyebrows again
It's our Edmonton Comic Expo this upcoming weekend, and while I'm in the city, I'm planning on taking an evening off of being with my Garrison to go visit the family and just be with him. Perhaps we shall saber battle... play Legos. I wish he was feeling well enough to wear his armor and join us at the booth! Oh my!!!! Could you imagine how glorious that would be !!!!

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[Soulart[TK]]

My heart goes out to both of you. I've been keeping up with this story of Declan since it started. This story brought tears to this old TK's eyes and made me determined to try my best to make a little boy or girls troubles a little less overwhelming. Thank you again for the story, the hope and the update.
 
                           TK-42195

Big big hugs to you TK 42195. Xoxo
Thank you for following the comings and goings with Declan. I appreciate it so greatly.

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[Parquette[TK]]

That's great news Soulart! Btw, it was amazing to hear that you went to personally see this kid outside of official events. This, THIS is why we're called "Bad guys doing good." We comfort those who are discomforted when facing illnesses that are potentially life threatening. 

 

Give Declan a hi for us will you?

[Sly11[Admin]]

Such a beautiful story of hope Teresa, and you are the epitome of what the Legion stands for. I'd be lying if I didn't say this made me shed a tear. Wonderful work.


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[magni[TK]]

I'm not crying.

You're crying!

 

Great to hear he is doing better Teresa!

[Soulart[TK]]

Just to let you know, Declan has been doing pretty good lately! Mom just sent me a pic, and his hair is starting to grow in. He has eyebrows again
It's our Edmonton Comic Expo this upcoming weekend, and while I'm in the city, I'm planning on taking an evening off of being with my Garrison to go visit the family and just be with him. Perhaps we shall saber battle... play Legos. I wish he was feeling well enough to wear his armor and join us at the booth! Oh my!!!! Could you imagine how glorious that would be !!!!

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Unfortunately Declan ended up back in hospital, and is still there. I did not get the chance to visit as he had an infection. And couldn't get his fever down.
I just wanted to let you know as I said I'd post pics.

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