A terminally ill cancer patient didn't think he'd live to see the new Star Wars movie — so Disney let him see it early

Daniel Fleetwood
(Image credit: Screenshot/NBCNews)

Two years ago, Daniel Fleetwood, 32, of Spring, Texas, was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue cancer called spindle cell sarcoma. In September, he was informed he only had two months to live. His lungs were covered in tumors.

Fleetwood didn't think he could make it to Dec. 18.

The significance of Dec. 18? That's the U.S. release date for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Fleetwood, who has been a huge Star Wars fan since he was 8 or 9, wanted as his final wish to live to see the newest installment in the series.

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"I just love Star Wars," Fleetwood says. "With everything I got I love Star Wars."

Fleetwood's wish went viral, reaching the ears of Disney and the movie's director, J.J. Abrams. They gave Fleetwood permission to watch an unedited cut.

From wife Ashley Fleetwood's Facebook page:

To all our wonderful supporters, friends, family, and awesome strangers: Daniel's final dream was just granted!!! Today the wonderful Disney, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm teams made his final dream come true, Daniel just finished watching an unfinished version of Star Wars: The Force Awakens!!! We would like to thank the awesomely talented J.J. Abrams for calling us yesterday to tell us Daniel was getting his wish granted! Lastly I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen!!! May the force be with you all #forcefordaniel [Facebook]

Even Luke Skywalker got in on the action. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.