If you want to make someone happier this month, you might as well send a birthday card to a special five year old boy who will celebrate his birthday on Friday, July 25.
Danny Nickerson, from Foxboro, Massachusetts, was diagnosed of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in October. DIPG is a type of brain tumor that primarily occurs in children between 5 and 7 years old and has no known cure. Surgery is not possible because the tumor occurs in parts of the brain stem that controls main nerves of the body. Even if surgical operation is done, it could cause severe damage to neural structures that are crucial for vital body functions including arm, leg and eye movements and breathing.
DIPG is also considered as among the most chemotherapy-resistant types of cancer. Because the condition is very hard to treat, children who are diagnosed of the illness often only have between 9 to 12 months of survival time.
Danny's mom Carley said that her son's condition makes it difficult for them to remain positive but they are doing their best so that Danny will have lots of fun and happy experiences. The family goes on ice-cream dates, movie nights and zoo trips. Another thing that also makes Danny happy is receiving mails that have his name written on it.
Carley related that Danny, who has stopped attending kindergarten class since his diagnosis, already recognizes his name and the boy was so happy when he saw his name on a package he received on Easter. Because of her son's enthusiasm over mails, Carley wrote on Facebook on July 1 that Danny would love to receive birthday cards for the whole month of his birthday.
On July 12, Carley shared that Danny already received 35 birthday cards but they have not opened them yet because they are waiting to open them near his birthday. The number of mails and packages that Danny receives, however, increases since his story has become viral.
"We counted all the cards from the post office today... 347 cards and 15 packages! wow! We are so shocked," Carley wrote on Facebook. "We had no idea that one article would turn into this! We are so lucky and blessed to have all of you on this journey with us!"
Carley said that those who wish to send Danny birthday cards can send them to this address:
Danny Nickerson P.O. Box 212 Foxboro, MA 02035.
