Since 1980 the Make-a-Wish Foundation has been granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Over the years, Jackie has made dozens of dreams come true for sick children and recently he did it again. Connor Malcom, a 15 year-old boy from Australia who suffered from a life-threatening brain tumor, wanted more than anything to meet Jackie and on July 18th, that's exactly what he did.

Connor, his mom Sharon, his sisters Heather and Esther, and two Make-A-Wish staff members arrived at Jackie’s Hong Kong offices in the early afternoon and waited anxiously in the conference room for him to arrive. Because Jackie had been up until 5:00 in the morning doing dubbing work, he was a few minutes late, adding to the excitement and anticipation. When Jackie walked in, Connor shook his hand calmly and said hello, but the look on his face gave away how excited he was. He kept staring as if thinking “Is this really Jackie Chan?”

After the introductions were made, Connor's mom Sharon showed Jackie an album of photos taken while Connor endured his treatment. Jackie was very moved by the pictures and asked Connor if he had a scar. After Connor showed Jackie his scar, Jackie  told everyone about his terrible accident in Yugoslavia, then Connor felt the scar on Jackie's head.

After visiting for a while, Jackie took everyone on a tour of his office, showing them his collection of celebrity autographs, movie posters, and memorabilia.

As a special treat, Jackie invited everyone to come to his house to meet the dogs and cats. Of course the Malcolm family was thrilled to go to Jackie’s house, but they seemed even more excited to meet the animals and spend some time playing with them! Jackie showed everyone a trick he’d taught to Jonesie and JJ, took them on a tour of the grounds, and told many funny stories about life with the dogs and cats.

Connor is looking up at Jackie's giant avocado tree.

Meeting Ding Ding.

Jackie shows Connor a few martial arts moves.

Dong Dong.

Ding Ding.

After arriving back at the office, Jackie introduced Connor and his sisters to the Segway PT and then signed autographs and took more photos.

Jackie gives Connor a quick lesson on how to control the Segway PT.

Connor caught on immediately; Jackie said he was a natural talent!

Esther's turn.

Heather's turn. Jackie was amazed at how quickly they became comfortable riding the Segways.

Jackie with Connor.

Jackie and Heather.

Jackie with Esther.

One very happy family poses with Jackie.

Soon it was time for Jackie to say goodbye; he had to go to a concert rehearsal. He surprised everyone with a gift bag full of t-shirts and other goodies, then after lots of hugs he was on his way. After he left, Connor talked a little about how much he enjoyed his visit and took one last photo with “Jackie.”

When Connor returned to Australia, he sent the following note:

When I first went in to Jackie's office I was so excited, but when we finally met face to face I felt as if I already knew him quite well. When he was taking us on a tour of his office I couldn't keep up - he was just all over the place. He would show us one thing and even before I saw what we were looking at we were off and doing a new thing. I have to say the two best parts of this fantastic meeting would have to be going on those Segways and watching Jackie running around his back yard shouting “Ding Ding! Dong Dong!” I enjoyed meeting Jackie's dogs JJ and Jonesie, and his cats Ding Ding and Dong Dong. I found it really nice of Jackie taking us to his house and showing us his vegetable patch and his huge avocado tree. There’s one more thing I must say: THANK YOU JACKIE WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Connor presented Jackie with a special Make-A-Wish cap.

Connor leaves a message for Jackie on the window at the office.

And a few words from Connor’s mom, Sharon (who is, incidentally, a huge Jackie fan herself):

We all had the most marvelous time and we can't stop telling people how wonderful Jackie was to us all, so generous with time and attention and gifts, I was overwhelmed with the kindness shown us.

Jackie laughs as Sharon Malcolm, also a great fan, asks him if there was any chance they could take him home with them. 

Text and photos ©2008 The JC Group/ Katharine Schroeder 

All Rights Reserved.