Many stories pertaining to terminally ill children go unnoticed, every year. They’re not attached to glitz, celebrities, or vacations. Many families find hardship from the difficulties coping with the manifestations of terminal medical conditions, thus opting to isolate the loved one from public spotlight.
Well all Nathan Norman wants for Christmas this year are Christmas cards from cops, firefighters, paramedics, and sports stars – his heroes.
Nathan, a 5-year-old boy battling terminal brain cancer in Rustburg, Va, admires no one more than people willing to risk their own lives to save the lives of others.
Virginia State Police recently put out a special request to police agencies across the country. The request went viral.
Now Nathan’s Christmas wish has gained national notoriety with city cops, firefighters and paramedics throughout the United States, many sending “get well” cards, patches, posters, shirts, hats and autographed photos to Nathan’s home. And Nathan’s story has even traveled abroad through our U.S. Armed Forces.
“People from over twenty-two nations have shipped Nathan cards,” said Nathan’s father Bobby Norman. During the interview, the family was traveling back from vacation, and they were told by Nathan’s grandmother that more than 2,000 boxes were shipped to Nathan and await his arrival.
It’s not just first responders supporting Nathan. Local churches in Elkin have joined in the effort shipping cards of encouragement to Nathan.
“What got me interested in Nathan’s story was how simple his request was,” said Judy Baldwin of Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
The sentiment was echoed by Beverly Byerly of Island Ford Baptist Church in Jonesville. Byerly said, “Nathan could’ve asked for toys, could’ve asked for a miracle, but instead he asks for cards … you want cards, you’re going to get them.” Island Ford Baptist is one of several local churches that are collecting Christmas cards to send to Nathan Norman.
Nathan has been fighting brain cancer since January 2009, when doctors found a tumor. They immediately operated. But over the next three years, the brain cancer progressed.
Now, Nathan has an inoperable tumor in his spine.
“Nathan’s destiny is in the hands of Jesus Christ, and we’ve been happy to serve as his vessel,” said Norman. “Right now Nathan is in good spirits though chemotherapy has taken a toll on him. He’s recently completed his 6th treatment of chemo and after this treatment all that’s left are clinical trials.”
Last Friday night, the 5-year-old cancer fighting hero got perhaps his biggest honor yet. He joined Gov. Bob McDonnell in Richmond, Va. where Nathan got to flip the switch for the Christmas tree lighting in the capitol.
The family says that Nathan understands his role and responsibility and anything he can do to make a difference in the lives of people, he will.
“We’re sending through your paper our complete and sincere thank you to all of the residents of our neighbors in North Carolina, and each of you should know how much your support is appreciated,” said Nathan’s father. “It’s made such a difference in Nathan’s life and ours.”
**Well I wanted to share this story because it was brought up to me by an inmate at a Federal Penitentiary who is serving LIFE in prison for a violent crime. Tonight every inmate in the prison sent a card to Young Nathan, so I thought why can’t sports fans and our readers at NFL Draft Zone do the same. My card will go out tomorrow morning to Nathan, and I am asking you all to join the movement as well.**
If you would like to send Nathan a Christmas card this holiday season please mail correspondence to: Nathan Norman, 81 Dunivan Drive, Rustburg, VA 24588.
