Pixar Animator Surprises Billings Boy

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By Katie Ussin

Story Published: Oct 4, 2011 at 10:56 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 5, 2011 at 3:02 PM MDT

BILLINGS - A Billings boy headed to Denver to await a heart transplant got a visit Tuesday from someone very special; a Pixar animator who created a character close to Evan Drollinger's heart.

In late September, Evan Drollinger, 8, shared with his classmates at Broadwater Elementary School that he is leaving for Denver to hopefully receive a heart transplant. He also shared two very important things he is bringing with him: his blanket and his Woody doll from the movie Toy Story. KULR-8 shared Evan's story with you.

"The story itself just tugged at my heart strings," said Patty Barnett. After watching it, Patty and Larry Barnett knew who they had to call. "Our dear friend, Bud, created Woody and that's what Evan wanted to take to Denver. That set me off, and I knew I had to get something going with Bud for Evan."

Bud Luckey is a retired Pixar animator from Billings who now lives part time in Roscoe. He brought Woody to life, although he is very humble about it. "I did the first drawing of him, yeah," said Luckey.

Lucky too saw the story and was on board when he received a phone call from his friends Patty and Larry about surprising Evan. "He's a neat little kid," said Luckey.

It is as if fate stepped in so these two could meet. They held hands like long-lost friends right from the start. They have more in common than their love for this cartoon cowboy, as well. Luckey attended Broadwater Elementary School when he was a young boy, just like Evan. "Every cowboy needs a horse, so I wanted to give him that, I didn't need it," said Luckey.

He gave Evan a never-released horse figurine from the movie and signed the saddle. Evan squealed with joy.

The surprise gave Evan something to smile about as he rides off on his journey for a new heart, and reminds us all that unexpected friendships are not just for the movies.

Evan's mother says they hope to leave Monday for Denver to get on the transplant list.

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Morjhana said on Thursday, Oct 6 at 5:43 AM

Bud Luckey is a great guy and very highly thought of at Pixar. I love to watch the early Pixar movies to find the subtle BL references. He took me to the Primier of Cars in California so I could have that experience.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 10:53 AM

How uplifting! My prayers are with Evan and his family! Be strong Evan!! Everything will be ok!

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