Girl who has just weeks to live is inundated with gifts from around the world
"She’s got so much love pouring in"
A young girl who has just weeks to live has been inundated with gifts from around the world.
At the end of October this year, four year old Delaney Krings from Wisconsin was tragically diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
The young girl's family were left in total shock when they were told by doctors that she only had six to eight weeks to live.
Speaking to 6ABC about the tragic turn of events, Delaney's mum heather said her daughter brings 'light and love to people'.
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"That's why she's our angel, and apparently she's being called elsewhere to finish her angel work," she said.
"You can't really convey to a little kid that they won't be around much longer. So she knows she's in the hospital because of the 'owies' in her head."
In a separate interview with Today, the 43-year-old explained: "With her specific type of cancer, it is very diffuse.
"It has already invaded so many integral parts of her brain, radiation would cause more damage and more side effects."
The story has touched people's hearts across the globe, which is why when a family friend called on the public to send cards for the four year old's birthday, they were inundated with gifts and messages.
Delaney's mum Heather and dad Jack wanted to make their daughter's birthday, which falls on 16 December, extra special as it could very well be her last.
Their friend Sharon Tomlinson came up with the idea of a card drive, with Heather adding: "Her office has volunteered to be our post office box. We are getting hundreds and hundreds.
"It’s a little overwhelming. She’s got so much love pouring in. There’s no way that we would be able to put her through opening thousands of cards per day.
"We pick out a handful and open them for her. Cards that play music are a favourite."
One of the ways they've come up with organising the sheer amount of mail is by using stickers to categorise them into locations, showing Delaney the love from around the world.
In addition to cards, she's received Amazon gifts and homemade presents such as blankets and jewellery.
This week, Heather also received a flurry of unexpected calls from people letting her know that NFL star JJ Watt had even wished Delaney a happy birthday.
Sharing a photo of him on the pitch holding a hand written message, he wrote: "Happy (early) 5th Birthday Delaney!
"From Arizona back home to Pewaukee, I hope you have a fantastic birthday surrounded by family and friends!"
With less than 24 hours to go, the parents have something extra special planned to celebrate Delaney's big day.
"There is going to be a horse and carriage, first responders, some local dance teams and dog groups," Heather told the outlet.
Alongside the card drive, a GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of the family, which has raised more than $115,700 (£94,000) of its $200,000 (£162,300) goal. If you'd like to donate, follow this link.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Daisy Phillipson