UPDATE: Nate has received an abundance of cards, and he is overwhelmed with gratitude. You have helped him reach his dream. He is now very weak, and volunteers and family are opening the cards and reading them to him. If you would like to make a donation earmarked for hospice in Nate Elfrink’s name, you can do so at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can mail donations to the foundation at 700 Children’s Dr., Columbus, OH 43205. You can read an update in the Columbus Dispatch here:
Nate Elfrink is 7 years old. This will be his last Christmas. Since he was 20 months old, he has battled a brain tumor, which led him through three surgeries, and many rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. The tumor fights hard; it keeps coming back with a vengeance.
Because his tumor is so close to his brain stem, a fourth surgery is not possible. His doctors at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, have found a new chemotherapy treatment that will shrink Nate’s tumor. But not fast enough.
Nate is the kind of little boy with a big heart, who manages to leave a mark on your own heart. An article in the Columbus Messenger says, “Nate has never complained about treatments or doctor’s appointments, she said. He has always just asked what was on the schedule and how soon he’d be able to play. In fact, when Nate and Tod (his Dad) got off the plane from their last visit to St. Jude, Nate wanted to go straight to Wal-Mart to get ingredients for cookies he is making to personally deliver to teachers, friends and family.
“We will not pursue any further treatment. He has been through enough,” Dode Elfrink, Nate’s mother, wrote in an update to friends and family on Dec. 4. “We plan on having the merriest Christmas ever and cherishing each and every day that we have our wonderful, brave, handsome son.”
As you wipe away the tears to see your computer screen, Nate wants you to know that you can help make one of Nate’s last wishes come true. All he wants is to receive one million Christmas cards this year.
I know I have readers in Australia, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, India and Hawaii — so get your stamps and mails those cards. Get the kids to get out their colored pencils, the glitter, the construction paper and send Nate a personal message.
On December 11, at 6 p.m., hold a light in your heart for Nate and his family. Nate will help Santa flip the switch to turn on light display at Garrette Park, in his hometown of West Jefferson, Ohio. On Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Nate will ride with Santa on a float in the West Jefferson Christmas in the lighted parade. May Nate’s spirit light your heart this year.
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I’m adding him to my Christmas card list right now.
I just put the card in the mail. While writing the address I noticed that is the same road Jenny (Jones) lives on……
I’ll try and get this onto my ‘to do’ list!
Great story for us Susie. I will send Nate a card tomorrow, what a thrill for him to receive the full million! You blessed my heart with this one. Love you, Lydia
forwarding this to everyone I know…. this might be the only xmus card I send out this year, but it will be a heartfelt one.
I am having all of my students make Christmas cards, and have encouraged other teachers to do the same.
this is what xmas is all about. me and my children will be sending home made cards for this little boys last xmas wish <3