Sarah Rinzler, the daughter of Star Wars author Jonathan Rinzler, is raising money for her father's cancer treatment. Crowdfunding resources have been used for a variety of reasons from bringing back a popular television series to funding independent film productions. One that is sadly far too often the reality is using it to pay for medical expenses, and a major name in the Star Wars franchise needs the help.
Jonathan Rinzler is the former editor and author at Lucasfilm. He was hired in 2005 and wrote The Making of Star Wars Revenge of the Sith. He went on to write the Making of books for Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Rinzler wrote The Complete Making of Indiana Jones: The Definitive Story Behind All Four Films. He also wrote a two-part story episode arc, "The Disappeared," for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He was set to write The Making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens but the book was canceled and never released. Rinzler is a major reason why so many know the fun and complicated behind-the-scenes stories behind some of cinemas greatest, and while he may not be a household name, his contribution to the Star Wars legacy cannot be understated.
According to the GoFundMe page, Jonathan Rinzler was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August 2020. The doctors gave him three to four months to live, but with chemotherapy, he was able to live another year even though he suffered allergic reactions to it. Now with no more treatment options, Jonathan Rinzler is now making end-of-life plans which sadly means future bills that he and his family will have to pay. Read what Sarah Rinzler wrote on the main page below:
Most of you visiting this fundraising page likely already know my dad's story, but I'll provide background here for those who don't: Jonathan visited his doctor last August because of abdominal pain and an increasingly diminished appetite. That same month, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. He was given three to four months to live. Since then, he has soldiered through many rounds of chemotherapy but often had allergic reactions. As we reach the one-year mark from his diagnosis, there are no more treatment options available; Jonathan is making end-of-life plans.
I can’t imagine a time when the mundane, such as paying bills, would feel less important; regardless, part of the reality of battling prolonged illness is facing a challenging financial situation. My parents, sister, and I appreciate any financial support you can provide — and thank you all for everything you have already done to help our family.
Rinzler has not been associated with Disney and Lucasfilm since the failed publication of The Making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and was never contacted to create books documenting the making of The Last Jedi or The Rise of Skywalker. Rinzler is one of many creatives that Disney has not assisted in a time of need, from Rocket Raccoon creator Bill Mantlo to Ed Brubaker's recent reveal that he gets more money for his work as an extra in Captain America: The Winter Soldier than he does for actually creating the concept of The Winter Soldier. Alan Dean Foster alleged that Disney stopped sending royalty checks to Lucasfilm authors, meaning there is a chance that Rinzler may not have received proper compensation for his book during this difficult time.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to diagnose in its early stage and is a painful experience for the individual and their family. It has sadly taken Alex Trebek, Patrick Swayze, and Alan Rickman, just to name a few. While rabid fanbases can often be toxic, they can also be a force for good. Fans of Zack Snyder raised $500,000 for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Rinzler and his family could use the Star Wars community's help now more than ever.
Source: GoFundMe