For the new generation of sci-fi fans, critically acclaimed and multi-awarded British actor Sir Patrick Stewart may be Professor Charles Xavier, the founder of X-Men. For the rest, however, he's Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
When the 11-year-old Dawn Garrigus went to the recent Dragon Con, a sci-fi convention, held in Atlanta, Georgia, she never thought he'd met the captain. But she did, and got so much more from it.
Dawn is stricken by a life-threatening illness called mitochondrial disease, which means the mitochondria of her cells are not functioning the way they should, which includes converting food into energy that can be used by the vital organs such as the heart and the brain to perform their duties. This failure can lead to serious health problems such as organ failure, loss of hearing, stroke, and seizures. Most of the symptoms are currently controlled with the right medications, supplements, and therapy.
She made a request through Make a Wish Foundation who then brought her to the convention on August 30. With her entire family in tow, Dawn, a confessed Trekkie fan, wore a blue shirt and pointed ears like Spock, another well-loved Star Trek character.
Unknown to her, however, Stewart was also in attendance who, after learning of her presence, decided to leave the panel for a while to meet her personally. Their tight embrace taken by professional photographer James Barker had already gone viral.
Aside from the hug, Stewart spent about 15 minutes talking to her and granting a souvenir shot with the entire family.
In an interview, Dawn mentioned that although she was initially shy upon seeing him, she felt more comfortable the more he talked to her. She learned of the meeting a few minutes before his appearance. The encounter also made her happy, which her mom, Kristy, seconded in her Facebook page. According to her mom, after the memorable meet-up, her daughter felt less isolated.