Members of the loyal "Star Wars" community - including the master himself, George Lucas - are lending their support to the family of 9-month-old Leah Esquenazi, as the infant fights for her life.
Lovingly dubbed "Princess Leah," the baby - daughter of avid "Star Wars" fans Francesca and Zev Esquenazi - is suffering from an as-of-yet undiagnosed neurological condition that causes her tiny body to shake uncontrollably, along with extreme difficulty breathing, cataracts and other symptoms.
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In and out of hospitals for the last eight months, the Esquenazi family told Access Hollywood they are $2.5 million in debt due to Leah's mystery illness (which continues to baffle a team of over 60 doctors) - a burden the "Star Wars" community is attempting to ease with the auction of two "Clone Wars" helmets signed by over 40 "Star Wars" actors, directors, editors, writers and artists, including George Lucas, Seth Green and Peter Mayhew (who played Chewbacca in the famed films).
The auction ends Sunday -- you can bid on the Republic Commando helmet HERE and the Clone Trooper helmet HERE!
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In a phone interview on Saturday, Access spoke with an active member of "Princess Leah's Angels" - a private Facebook group dedicated to garnering support for the struggling family - who spoke for the Esquenazis, as Leah had suddenly developed severe breathing difficulties and was being rushed back to the hospital.
"They have been overwhelmed," the member, who wished to remain anonymous, told Access of the continuously heartwarming outpouring of support from the "Star Wars" community and social media users. "The response from not only the 'Star Wars' community, but Facebook [and] the world has been overwhelming."
The member said Leah's parents were repeatedly cautioned that due to our fast-paced society, the public's interest would inevitably wane, and Facebook groups would become idle.
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However, the Esquenazis have experienced quite the opposite.
"They've been finding that it's been growing stronger... [even] people with very limited means are still finding ways to help them," the member shared.
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For more information on baby Leah's condition, visit http://www.princessleahdiaries.blogspot.com, or visit her public Facebook group, "May the Force be with the Princess Leah" for updates and information on how to help.
Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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