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Published Thursday, November 26, 2009 in Local

Boy who received one million Christmas cards dies of cancer

By Winston Skinner

The Newnan Times-Herald

Noah Scott Biorkman, the 5-year-old cancer patient whose request for Christmas cards touched hearts in Coweta County and around the world, has died.

Biorkman died Monday at 8:02 a.m., according to a Web site maintained by the family. Earlier this fall, the Biorkmans issued a request for people to send Christmas cards to Noah, who had neuroblastoma.

People in Newnan, Grantville and Haralson learned of the request and sent cards. In some cases, adults organized children to send cards.

"Scott and I, along with our families, would like to thank everyone for the continued support over the past few years during Noah's illness. As most of you know, Noah has received more than one million Christmas cards over the past few weeks," Diana Biorkman, the boy's mother, wrote on the Web site.

"The outpouring of love and compassion has been remarkable, and we are extremely grateful," she wrote.

Mrs. Biorkman asked that people respect their privacy "during this very difficult time" and stated the funeral "will be for family only."

The family has asked that donations in memory of Noah be made to one of two charities:

* Department of Pediatrics and Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, D4202MPB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718. Checks payable to: The University of Michigan -- Noah's Pediatric Oncology Fund.

* Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, 230 Huron View Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Checks payable to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- Memo: Noah Biorkman

Through those gifts, "Noah's legacy will live on for many years to come, if not forever," Mrs. Biorkman wrote.

Noah Biorkman loved Christmas, and his family originally asked people to send Christmas cards to him early. The family celebrated the holiday early -- having their "official" Christmas on Nov. 8.

A few days after the celebration, the Biorkmans asked people to stop sending cards and gifts, as Noah's health declined.

The boy was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma in February 2007. He went into remission in August 2007.

Then in September of this year, Noah suffered a relapse -- with lesions in his right arm and right leg. Despite six different treatments, his cancer continues to spread. Neuroblastoma can cause tumors in many parts of the body and is most common in young children.

Ann Long of Grantville was one of the Cowetans who urged friends to send cards. She was touched by the boy's story and the fact that he only wanted Christmas cards. She had urged friends to join with her to "see how many cards" could be sent "from all over the world" to "make his wish come true."