Terminally Ill Star Wars Fan Gets Early Screening Of New Movie

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Star Wars fan who is dying of cancer had one final wish: to see the newest Star Wars movie before he dies. A social media campaign led by his wife, and a huge assist from the movie's director, made his wish come true.

Daniel Fleetwood was diagnosed with a terminal cell disease in July, and given just two months to live. The Star Wars fan in Texas worried that he would not live long enough to see the newest episode, "The Force Awakens."

So his family and friends took to social media to see if they could arrange for him to somehow see the film before it hits the theaters.

Though Daniel has outlived his original prognosis, he still has little time remaining. But the social media effort picked up steam. Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew and John Boyega voiced their support. A Facebook entry by Daniel's wife, Ashley Fleetwood, indicates his dream has come true.

"Daniel just finished watching an unedited version of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,'" she writes. "We would like to thank the awesomely talented J. J. Abrams for calling us yesterday to tell us Daniel was getting his wish granted."

Daniel received the unfinished version, which he watched in the comfort of his home.

His wife went on to say: "While the cancer and situation is horrible, I feel a weight has been lifted for me by knowing he got his final wish. Thank you again."

Mark Hamill, reprising his role as Luke Skywalker, added a post of his own: "I am elated for Daniel and his family! Thanks to the powers that be for making his dream come true."

A new trailer for "The Force Awakens" hit the internet Friday morning. The movie will be released in theaters December 18th.

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