One of the great things about social media is that it can get a mass message across to the right person. Daniel Fleetwood is a Texan in his early 30’s that is a die-hard Star Wars fan. Unfortunately he is suffering from a rare aggressive form of cancer called spindle cell sarcoma and was told he has two months to live back in July. His only wish was to watch the new installment of his favorite saga.
Fleetwood’s wife, Ashley Fleetwood launched a campaign online, saying that her husband might not live up to the time the film hits the theatres, and asked that her husband get his last wish by seeing the film. The premiere of the Star Wars saga, “The Force Awakens” is set to release on December 18.
Two Star Wars actors backed the campaign to let this fan watch the movie: Mark Hamill, the original Luke Skywalker and John Boyega, who will play Fin in the new movie. The both tweeted the hashtag #ForceForDaniel.
Daniel’s wish was granted on November 5th when he was allowed to watch an uncut version of the new movie. “Daniel just finished watching an unedited version of Star Wars: The Force Awakens!!” said his wife on Facebook. She thanked the director, JJ Abrams for calling them that they were granting Daniel’s wish.
“I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen, thank you beyond words!! May the force be with you all.” According to International Business Times, Disney confirmed that the screening of an early cut of the film happened by saying, “all involved were happy to be able to make it happen.”
More than likely Daniel’s wish was fulfilled at the couple’s home, since his condition has deteriorated. Spindle cell sarcoma is a type of connective tissue in which the cells are spindle-shaped when examined under a microscope.
**Update**Early Tuesday, Ashley said Fleetwood had died. “Daniel put up an amazing fight to the very end. He is now one with God and with the force. He passed in his sleep and in peace. He will always be my idol and my hero,” she wrote on Facebook, along with a photo of the two of them wearing #ForceForDaniel t-shirts.
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