The Truth:
This
was a grass roots effort started in 2009 by the family of Noah Biorkman of South
Lyon, Michigan. Biorkman was in hospice and
and passed away at home on November 23, 2009 after a long battle with Stage IV neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that occurs in
infants and young children.
According to Detroit
ABC affiliate
WXYZ, the family celebrated Christmas the weekend of
November 14th, 2009 and reported on November 9, 2009 that so far the "response
has been overwhelming. In just one day alone, the Post Office in South
Lyon delivered 80,000 pieces of mail."
According to a
November 23, 2009 article found on the
"Click
on Detroit" Web site the family released this message to those who
sent cards, messages and gifts:
"Scott and I, along
with our families, would like to thank everyone for the continued
support over the past few years during Noah’s illness. As most of you
know, Noah has received more than 1 million Christmas cards over the
past few weeks. The outpouring of love and compassion has been
remarkable and we are extremely grateful. We are now asking for everyone
please respect our privacy during this very difficult time. The funeral
services will be for family only. We are asking that instead of sending
cards and flowers to Scott and me; please make a donation in Noah’s name
to either of the organizations below. With your donation, Noah’s legacy
will live on for many years to come, if not forever."
The article also said that young Noah
was particularly fond of an angel figurine ornament that he received
because it reminded him of where he'll soon be. When asked about
it he said, "In heaven, and I'm going to be an angel."
Instead of flowers and cards the
family requested that donations be sent to:
Department of Pediatrics and Oncology
University of Michigan
1500 East Medical Center Drive
D4202MPB
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5718
Checks payable to: The University of Michigan -- Noah’s Pediatric
Oncology Fund
Or
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
230 Huron View Blvd.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
Checks payable to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- Memo: Noah
Biorkman
updated 11/24/09
