Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson, an Icelander who lost both arms in an accident 15 years ago and is raising funds to have a transplant, received a clapperboard signed by the crew of Django Unchained, including director Quentin Tarantino.

“It’s not bad receiving such a gift from movie stars,” Guðmundur told Fréttablaðið. “The fundraising has moved outside the country’s borders.”

The clapper was also signed by actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson.

The clapper will be sold on eBay and Guðmundur will put the profits towards the planned arm transplant and rehabilitation in Lyon, France. The operation will be historic as Guðmundur will be the first person to have a double arm transplant at the shoulders.

He has already raised approximately ISK 40 million (USD 311,000, EUR 233,000) through donations in Iceland, which covers the surgery and part of the rehabilitation, and whatever the clapperboard raises will help cover the rest of the rehabilitation. The first bid is ISK 250,000 (USD 2,000, EUR 1,500).

Guðmundur’s mission was brought to the attention of the Django Unchained crew by his aunt, Heba Þórisdóttir, who acted as supervisor of the film’s makeup department.

“She wrote a letter, presenting my cause to them. Everyone was really positive about it and wanted to support me,” Guðmundur said, adding that he is extremely grateful.

Guðmundur will start searching for accommodation in Lyon in February. He expects to be added to a waiting list for new arms in March and then things can happen quickly.

“The last person on the list waited one month and then he was off to surgery. It could happen before the summer,” he said, hoping for the best.

Guðmundur has seen the Oscar-nominated Django Unchained and was impressed. “Sena [entertainment publisher and distributer] invited me to a screening and it’s the best film I’ve ever seen. Pure brilliance,” he commented.

General screenings in theaters in Iceland begin today.

Click here to read more about Guðmundur and the planned transplant.

ESA