#ForceForDaniel campaign for terminally ill Star Wars fan gains support from films’ stars

With the recent release of the trailer for the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, so many fans are looking forward to the movie that ticket pre-sales crashed a number of movie ticket sites. One of those fans is 31-year-old Daniel Fleetwood. However, unlike other young fans, Fleetwood was diagnosed with a cancer called spindle cell sarcoma two years ago, and time isn’t on his side. His last wish — a chance to see the film — has caught the attention and support of the movie’s fans and stars alike.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fleetwood was informed in September that he only has a couple months to live. His wife, Ashley, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to not only raise money for medical bills but hopefully give Daniel, a Star Wars fan since the age of 8 or 9, a chance to see The Force Awakens before its Dec. 18 release. “Judging by how progressive the disease has gotten in the past two months I really don’t think that I’ll be able to make it,” Fleetwood said.

His lungs are now 90% full of tumors. Time is running out. Please @DisneyFR #ForceForDaniel http://pic.twitter.com/fgUJRy5dvt

— Ashley Fleetwood (@pandorashley) November 2, 2015

The hashtag #ForceForDaniel has gained the attention of not just Star Wars fans, but celebrities on Twitter, including many of the movie’s cast members. Among the tweets of support came from Mark Hamill, John Boyega, and Peter Mayhew. It is hoped that the campaign will get Disney’s attention, and a special exception will be made for Fleetwood.

I’m a diehard Trekkie, but today I’m a #StarWars fan. May the force be with you, Daniel. #ForceForDaniel — Michele Mahone (@Mmahone) November 3, 2015

Dear @DisneyStudios, Your magic has touched so many lives, it is time to impact another. Please make this happen. #ForceForDaniel

— Tony Beltran (@tonybeltran23) November 3, 2015

Daniel Fleetwood is a dying from cancer. His dying wish is to see the new Star Wars film. Make it happen @DisneyStudios #ForceForDaniel — DLP Town Square (@DLPTownSquare) November 3, 2015