Disney granted the dying wish of a terminally-ill Star Wars fan by letting him watch “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” ahead of its United States release on Dec. 20.
Rowans Hospice revealed the unnamed man’s wish last Tuesday, Nov. 26 via Twitter. The organization, which is based in Hampshire, United Kingdom, takes care of patients with life-limiting illnesses.
“Can you help? We have a patient who’s a HUGE #StarWars fan,” the hospice said. “Sadly, time is not on his side for the 20th Dec.”
“His wish is to see the final Star Wars film #RiseOfSkywalker with his young son,” the hospice appealed. “If you know ANYBODY who might be able to make it happen, please share with them. Thank you.”
Can you help? We have a patient who's a HUGE #StarWars fan. Sadly, time is not on his side for the 20th Dec. His wish is to see the final Star Wars film #RiseOfSkywalker with his young son. If you know ANYBODY who might be able to make it happen, please share with them. Thank you
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 26, 2019
In a follow-up tweet, the hospice said it was their “most desperate hour” and asked the film’s director J.J. Abrams and actor Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, for help.
This is our most desperate hour. Help us @HamillHimself, @jjabrams you're our only hope. #Alderaan? #ImNotGoingToAlderaan!
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 26, 2019
The plea did not fall on deaf ears, as Disney chief executive officer Robert Iger soon got in contact with the organization. Days later, Iger revealed that Disney had granted the dying patient’s request.
“On this Thanksgiving, we at @Disney are grateful to be able to share #TheRiseOfSkywalker with a patient and his family @RowansHospice,” Iger stated in a post last Friday, Nov. 29. “May the force be with you and with us all!”
On this Thanksgiving, we at @Disney are grateful to be able to share #TheRiseOfSkywalker with a patient and his family @RowansHospice. May the force be with you and with us all!
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 28, 2019
Moments after, the hospice said they received a laptop that contained the said movie from a certain Disney representative named Jonathan.
“Our amazing patient has now seen #StarWars #RiseofSkywalker with his son,” the organization declared.
This morning, a very nice man named Jonathan from Disney turned up at our Hospice with a laptop that had a very important movie on it. Our amazing patient has now seen #StarWars #RiseofSkywalker with his son 💚
Full statement here:https://t.co/6KWl8jQHj1 pic.twitter.com/gfgxRXPeoe
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 29, 2019
The hospice later shared the patient’s gratitude to everyone who played a part in granting his wish.
Our patient wanted us to let you know:
"“I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone that has helped to make this happen. During what is just a horrible situation to be in, you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family."
💚— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 29, 2019
“During what is just a horrible situation to be in,” the patient was quoted as saying, “you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family.” JB
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