[J's mom]

Dear Mr. Korman,

My son J (I am using his first initial for privacy reasons) is an avid reader who was labeled early on by his teachers as "a story boy."  He has wideranging tastes (from your books to Sherlock Holmes to "The Princess Bride" which he read because he loved the movie so much) and is known to read his favorites many times over.  He loves your writing, especially "Notorious," which inspired him to do research on communities that share space along the American-Canadian border.  (He told me that there's supposedly a city where there is a bowling alley along the borderline.)  I guess J is the second generation in our family to read your books because I remember picking up a copy of "Beware the Fish" in my school library.

Out of the blue, a few months ago, J was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a disease for which there is (touch wood) an excellent prognosis and high rate of cure.  But he is undergoing chemo for the next few months, including on Halloween (his favorite holiday).  I think there's something about the magic and imagination of the holiday that appeals to him because he is obsessed this year with decorations and animatronics.  We have a collection of jack-in-the-box style pumpkins and other mechanical figures in our living room that we keep purchasing to lift his spirits during various parts of treatment that will somehow have to all fit on our crowded lawn this year.

We've found on this surreal journey that there some things that are beyond our control, but some things aren't.  Anyhow, to make J feel more empowered, I'm hoping to help him to put together bags for the other kids who are also receiving treatment at his hospital infusion center on Halloween.  As part of the bags (we've been told not include candy or food), I am trying to get family and friends (and anyone else who might inspire or uplift) to write a handwritten note of affirmation or encouragement.  I'm not sure which child would receive your note as we intend to give the bags to the Child Life expert at the treatment center to distribute, but if you have the time and inclination (no worries if you can't), it would be very cool for J if you considered writing a note.  We can provide you with our home address or the contact information for the Child Life expert at the infusion center if you wish to send it to her directly -- whatever is easiest. 

Thanks so much for considering our request and for adding lightness to the world through your writing,

J and his family

[ck]

so touching 

hope you get your wish

Hi, J & Family,

I'd be happy to send you a note or notes. Please send your name and mailing address to my office at:

                                                                             Info@gordonkorman.com

And you hang in there, J. Believe me, I know exactly what you're going through right now!

                                                                                                                 -----Gordon Korman-----

[J and his family]

Dear Mr. Korman,

Thank you so much.  We can't tell you how much this is appreciated.  J had his seventh of 12 chemo sessions yesterday and your words of encouragement made him smile.

Kind regards,

from J and his family