Share this @internewscast.com

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 5-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder got an out-of-this world experience when characters from a galaxy far, far away gave him a proper Star Wars day sendoff at Portland International Airport Sunday morning.

At 17 months old, Raiden Pham was diagnosed with UBA5, an ultra-rare progressive and life-threatening genetic disorder. It can lead to severe movement disability, cognitive impairment, seizures, as well as complications affecting breathing, vision and the gastrointestinal system.

According to OHSU, only 40 children in the entire world have been officially diagnosed.

In a gift made possible by Make-A-Wish Oregon, Raiden and his family received a trip to Disney Aulani in Hawaii.

But as they were making their way to the gate, in-costume volunteers from Star Wars Oregon and the Concordia Clan greeted him in a sendoff fit for a Jedi knight.

  • Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian)
  • Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian)

Tommy Pham, Raiden’s father, thanked the crowd for being a part of “such a special moment.”

“We’re built on hope,” he said. “We’re on this journey to fight against this rare disease, to raise awareness, to fundraise for research and make the impossible, possible. May the Force be with you.”

In 2021, Raiden’s family also launched the Raiden Science Foundation, which spearheads privately funded research efforts to develop the first-ever clinical trial for UBA5 gene therapy.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Israeli Official Released on ‘Standard Bail’ Without Seeing Judge, Confirms DA

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — According to the district attorney’s statement on Tuesday,…

Savannah Seeks Public Feedback on Budget Priorities for 2026

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah residents are being called upon to influence…

Nebraska Governor Declares Immigration Detention Center ‘Ready to Go’

() A new immigration detention center in Nebraska will “make a big…

Proposal may result in sanctions for Alaska medical professionals providing gender-affirming care

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Medical professionals in Alaska who offer gender-affirming care to…

Political games turn perilous for Julie Delpy and Suranne Jones in ‘Hostage’

LONDON – Only a few people know what it’s like to stand…

Texas Shooting Incident at Target Parking Lot: New Charges Filed Against Suspect

The individual charged with the fatal shooting of three individuals on August…

“Mom of Missing Mystic Camper Testifies to Lawmakers: A Call for Change”

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The mother of the only camper still missing from…

Trump to join DC police and National Guard on patrol

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he will accompany National Guard…

Centennial Football Aims to Rebuild Following Playoff Miss

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — When a team experiences a playoff drought after…

Meta Partners with Aiken Chamber of Commerce to Launch New Innovation Corridor

AIKEN, S.C. () – At the recent ‘State of Our Community’ gathering,…

Interior Assigns Border Agents to National Parks During Washington Control Shift

(The Hill) The Interior Department is enlisting federal border agents to assist…

Pence Advocates for Stringent Sanctions on Russia to Back Trump’s Peace Initiatives

WASHINGTON () Former Vice President Mike Pence stated on Thursday that Congress…