The story is very true, I did talk personally with Jaden's mother but as I was helping out with their website ... something unexpected happened.
I look for facts all the time, it's part of being a writer I guess and I wanted to know just how many cards these boys had to get to accomplish their goal, that's where the bad news came in!
The Guiness Book of World Records has removed that category (get-well cards) largely in part to a boy in England who did the same thing. At last count this kid had gotten more than 2 million cards from a plea made way back whenever and unfortunately his story turned into a chain letter--he still get cards to this day.
They've lost count!
It's just really sad that these little boys with such good intentions can't complete their task. Jaden's mom told me that the boys loved opening the cards together, the cards gave Josh something to focus on and both of the boys looked forward to the time together looking at all the cards--the news just broke my heart literally.
I've really shed tears over it.
Call me dramatic but it's really hit me hard because I have three little boys too and I can't imagine one of them battling cancer, that has to be a real nightmare as a parent. I can't imagine not being able to fight something invisible that's harming my kids.
I just needed to vent and also update anyone who has sent a card to them. I guess it's the thought that counts behind a card but I was really excited about the whole record thing. If you've sent a card ... bless you, if you were planning to send one, well I guess this news shouldn't alter your decision anyway because the cards are appreciated and after all, what's better than making a kid happy?
I'm still ticked about the category's removal though!
Sincerely,
LJ 