He used the force to bring joy.
A day before kicking off the official Star Wars 40th anniversary celebration in Orlando, Mark Hamill surprised young Jedi at the Florida Hospital for Children Wednesday, showing them the ways of "The Force."
Read: Harrison Ford Surprises Fans at 'Star Wars' Anniversary
The actor visited the hospital along with characters from the film, like R2-D2 and Stormtroopers, as well as folks dressed in costume to lift the spirits of the kids who are being looked after inside the facility.
The Force is with us! And so is Luke Skywalker! Thank you @HamillHimself and @StarlightUS for the amazing visit! pic.twitter.com/S12hgnDQVE
— Florida Hospital (@FloridaHospital) April 12, 2017
The Starlight Children’s Foundation and Lucasfilm teamed up for the very special event, which also featured lightsaber battles, giveaways, Star Wars-themed coloring activities.
In addition, Starlight launched Starlight VR, a new initiative aimed at placing virtual reality headsets in hospitals across the country.
Announcing our newest program: Starlight VR & our program's Founding Sponsor, @StarWars #ForceForChange! LEARN MORE: https://t.co/peb9lVHsHx pic.twitter.com/bFlvPsJ6pU
— Starlight (@StarlightUS) April 13, 2017
“Starlight VR is a groundbreaking program that will entertain, educate and inspire the imaginations of hospitalized kids across the U.S. through one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences," the hospital wrote on Facebook.
Read: A Show of Force: Fans Honor Carrie Fisher with Lightsaber Vigil
Following his day at the hospital, Hamill tweeted: “Thanks @FloridaHospital 4 letting me visit the kids in your care & @StarlightUS 4 providing #SW backpacks filled w/goodies!”
Thanks @FloridaHospital 4 letting me visit the kids in your care & @StarlightUS 4 providing #SW backpacks filled w/goodies! #ForceForChange pic.twitter.com/xXWeHsK3nm
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) April 12, 2017
The staff of @FloridaHospital is a very welcoming, nice & generous group who put the needs of patients in front of their own. @StarlightUS https://t.co/AW7qXuje5e
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) April 13, 2017
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