Shawn Johnson East Introduces Astronaut for Special Children's Story from Space, to Raise Money for Sick Kids

Mar. 15, 2025

Anastronaut mom of twoon thehistoric SpaceXPolaris Dawnmissionmade the most of her trip to the stars this week when, between her research work, she also read a bedtime story — while floating in space! — to help benefit sick children back home.

Anna Menon selected the appropriately namedKisses from Spacefor alivestreamed videoand related fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A previous SpaceX flight, theInspiration4,pulled in more than $250 millionand Menon told PEOPLE earlier this year that they want to add to that through proceeds from her book sales.

“We can make huge strides for our collective future but also address the problems here on Earth today," she said.

The Polaris Dawn crew in space.SpaceX

SpaceX

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Menon unveiled her story for kids down on Earth.

Menon then showed off her zero-gravity skills inside the SpaceX Dragon capsule before beginning her reading for the live audience, which included some patients and families at St. Jude and her husband, Anil, and their children James and Grace.

Afterward, Menon and the other three astronauts on thePolaris Dawncrew answered some questions from the children.

SpaceX plans to announce how much money was raised through its latest mission after the astronauts are back on land at the end of the week.

source: people.com