Star Wars Fan Receives The Ultimate Gift | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Star Wars Fan Receives The Ultimate Gift

Dying fan got his final wish.

32
Star Wars Fan Receives The Ultimate Gift
ktla.com

If you have ever seen the movie Fanboys, the story you are about to read may sound a little bit familiar, minus the wild trip to Skywalker Ranch and a run in with William Shatner.

However, unlike that movie, this story is heart-breakingly true.

Daniel Fleetwood had been a lifelong fan of the popular sci-fi series. When the prequel trilogy was released, he was among the die-hard fans who camped out for tickets to see the movies.

Like me, he was also excited for the next installment, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

However, in July of this year, Daniel Fleetwood was given only two months to live. He had been diagnosed with a rare case of spindle cell sarcoma, a cancer that affects connective tissue. And with his condition worsening, he was not going to make it to the opening day, December 18.

Daniel's wife, Ashley, was not going to let cancer stop him from seeing the new film. Determined, she helped organize a campaign using the hashtag #ForceforDaniel in hopes of getting the attention of Lucasfilm and Abrams. It was Daniel's wish to see the movie before he died.

The campaign was was noticed by stars of the film, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, who helped endorse the campaign by tweeting and posting their support.

And with that kind of star power, it was no wonder that the campaign went viral.

Daniel ultimately got his wish on November 5, courtesy of Abrams and Lucasfilms. A private screening of the unedited film was set up for him in his home in Texas, and was accompanied by representatives of both Lucasfilms and Bad Robot.

According to ScreenRant, Abrams even called to check on Daniel in the days afterwards.

In addition to the private screening, Daniel enjoyed a visit from the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, both groups of dedicated cosplayers and Star Wars enthusiasts.

According to the Nerdist, the 501st Legion gave Daniel an honorary membership in addition to gifts. Similarly, the Rebel Legion gave Daniel a gift in the form of a replica of Han Solo's DL-44 blaster.

On November 10, only five days after seeing the film, Daniel passed away in his home. From his wife via Facebook:

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. Please hug uncle Marc for me and give Lucy lots of kisses. Rest in peace my love. This was the last selfie we ever took together. ‪#‎forcefordaniel‬

Rest in peace, Daniel, and may the Force be with you.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

1202288
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

1087603
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

4573772
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Facebook Comments