Send Christmas Cards to a young cancer patient named Noah Biorkman-Truth! But Ended!
Summary of eRumor:
This is a forwarded plea for a 5 year old boy named Noah Biorkman who is said to be in the last stages of cancer. The email says his family is requesting that people all around the country mail Christmas cards to their son early, as he is not expected to live to see Christmas, 2009.
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