Email chain letter and Internet postings solicit Christmas cards for Nathan Elfrink, a 7-year-old Ohio boy diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Description: Chain email
Circulating since: Dec. 2009
Status: True / Outdated
Example #1:
Email contributed by a Prodigy user, Dec. 14, 2009:
Fw: Need YOUR help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Received this from a friend on face book and thought I would forward to those who would help.
This young fellow (9) suffers from cancer and has requested Christmas Cards. How about we help him get the 1 million he is looking for?
The little boy is
Nathan Elfrink
(street address deleted),
West Jefferson
Ohio
OH 43162Thank you.
Example #2:
Facebook posting contributed by Sylvia K., Dec. 17, 2009:
PLEASE help Nathan, see his story below. Nathan Elfrink is a seven year old boy who has been fighting brain cancer since he was two. His prognosis is bad and he is not expected live much longer. He has wished for "a million Christmas cards" this season. Please take the time to send him a card, and forward this to all your friends and contacts. Nathan Elfrink, (Street address deleted), West Jefferson, OH 43162
Analysis: True, although Nathan Elfrink's parents, Dode McVey and Tod Elfrink of West Jefferson, Ohio, have asked that people stop sending cards because the volume has been so great the family can't keep up with it.
Seven-year-old Nate Elfrink was diagnosed with brain cancer over five years ago and, despite chemotherapy and other treatments, remains at the mercy of the disease. According to news reports, doctors say this Christmas will be his last.
Nate's parents say they appreciate the outpouring of support and ask that well-wishers make donations to charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the hospice program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in lieu of sending cards.
Update: Nathan Elfrink died on Feb. 26, 2010.
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Sources and further reading:
Boy Who World Wished Well Succumbs to Cancer
WBNS-10TV News, 26 February 2010Family Overwhelmed by Cards
Columbus Messenger, 15 December 2009Help Make Boy's Holiday with 'Lots of Christmas Cards'
Chillicothe Gazette, 12 December 2009Community Comes Together to Make Boy's Christmas Special
WBNS-10TV News, 11 December 2009
Last updated 02/26/10
