Foxboro Boy Who Received Thousands Of Birthday Cards Passes Away
FOXBORO (CBS) – A young boy who received hundreds of thousands of birthday cards from around the world last year died this week after his battle with brain cancer.
Danny Nickerson's story went viral after he told his mom he wanted to receive birthday cards in the mail.
He received over 150,000 letters and packages. Danny also was greeted at Gillette Stadium last summer by police officers from around the state and members of the New England Patriots to celebrate his sixth birthday.
Extending our deepest sympathies to the family of Danny Nickerson. We're honored to have met him. pic.twitter.com/1NE9oeUK4j
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2015
On Friday night, a post on the Danny's Warriors Facebook page confirmed that Danny passed away after his battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a highly aggressive disease that causes inoperable tumors to form at the base of the brain.
"My precious sweet boy earned his angel wings earlier this afternoon after a courageous 18 month battle," the post said. "Our lord came and carried his body to heaven. His body was so tired of fighting. He is now cancer free and running and playing and laughing with God and all of the other precious children. Prayers are needed for all of us right now. Please surround us in your prayers."
New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft issued a statement on Saturday, saying how impressive the response was from around the globe to Nickerson's birthday wish last summer.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Danny's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends. Last year, Danny's birthday wish was so simple and so innocent. All he asked for was a birthday card. The response, both locally and globally, was simply remarkable. I think he received over 100,000 cards from people around the world. I am just glad that we had an opportunity to contribute to his special birthday and hope we made it memorable for Danny and his family. He was such a cute little boy and I really enjoyed meeting him. Words can't express the sympathy I feel for his family.
Several police departments from around Massachusetts have also used social media to share their condolences following Nickerson's death.