This week, Disney Animation Studios will celebrate the home release of its movie “Raya and the Last Dragon” by working with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to spread joy through a series of virtual events for St. Jude patient families and its generous supporters.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” is an epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra where Raya learns that it takes more than a dragon to save the world. It takes trust and teamwork—timeless themes reflected in the pioneering research and lifesaving treatment delivered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for kids with childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Some of the scheduled events included:
- A special video message from actress Kelly Marie Tran, who voices the warrior princess Raya, prior to a special reading of the story on Monday, June 21.
- A virtual session to teach participants and viewers how to draw the character Tuk Tuk led by Walt Disney Animation Studios Supervising Animator Brian Menz on Tuesday, June 22. Menz will be joined by St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate and other influencers who champion the St. Jude mission.
- A Facebook Live art session hosted by St. Jude patient Tayde on Thursday, June 24 for all to join.
- A delivery from Disney of DVD gifts of the film to all St. Jude patients and their families currently undergoing treatment, along with printable activity sheets for them to reference throughout the week.
The events and activities are free and open to the public. To participate, RSVP to the Facebook event. To learn more about ways to support St. Jude families, visit stjude.org/family.
Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. St. Jude also freely shares the discoveries it makes, so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
