Chewbacca has always been one of the most iconic Star Wars characters, and Peter Mayhew has done nothing but show his love and appreciation for the character and to his fans over the years. But unfortunately Peter has had some serious health issues, and because of this, a new Kickstarter campaign has been set up to help Peter Mayhew as he is about to undergo as series of serious surgeries that would replace his knees and give him the potential to walk unassisted again. But in wanting to share this story with all his family, friends and fans, a new film project called Standing in the Stars : The Peter Mayhew Story, will show everyone the challenges and successes Peter Mayhew will face during this process, as well as help fans see just what he goes through every day.

Here are the details about the Standing in the Stars : The Peter Mayhew Story Kickstarter campaign, as well as video from Peter Mayhew and his wife Angie about the project.

[blockquote cite=]When someone passes Peter Mayhew on the street, they do a double-take. It could be because he stands a head taller than the crowd at 7’3”, or it could be because they recognize him as the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films. Peter was born with a condition called Giantism, which brought him both his astounding size and his famous role, but carries with it some serious health concerns.

Over the years, it has become more and more difficult for Peter to stand upright and walk, requiring the use of a cane or a wheelchair. He and his family are determined to get him back on his own two feet. His doctors came up with a solution: an intense series of surgeries that would replace his knees and give him the potential to walk unassisted.

We will be following Peter to his last convention before the surgery, interviewing him and other celebrities from the star wars universe and the convention circuit. You’ll get a peek into his life and struggles at home as a giant. We’ll be interviewing his doctors and the engineers behind his prosthetic knees that have been specially constructed for him.

Then, you’ll follow Peter through the day of his 4 surgeries. During that single day they will be replacing the top and bottom of both knees. They will also be cutting through his tendons to lengthen them and allow him to straighten his legs and lock his knees.

After the surgery we will follow Peter through the two months of intense rehabilitation and recovery. Then with his friends, family and fans present we will celebrate as we get to see Peter stand and walk on his own at his full height.[/blockquote]

For anyone who would like to help support Peter Mayhew and this project, you can check out the full Kickstarter page in the link below.

Standing in the Stars : The Peter Mayhew Story