Posted Nov 6, 2009, 1:26 AM UTC
Unlike the last five of these that my mother has sent me...
From https://www.carepages.com/carepages/NoahScottBiorkman :
Hello Everyone!
I have to say this again! Please -- everyone in Michigan -- please send this to the people that you know! I had to put a sign on my door this evening. We had many people drop off gifts today and some wanted to "see" Noah. This isn't going to happen. Noah is not on display. He is a sick child and was resting in bed when most of these people just showed up.
First of all, I have one request of all of the local people here in Michigan. PLEASE ---- Respect our privacy....
God dammit some people are just so fucking stupid.
How fucking ignorant do you have to be to ask to see a sick child, I mean god dammit, if you had a cold, would you want COMPLETE STRANGERS looking at you?
God damn, fucking morons.
Would you say that it grinds your gears?
Hahahaha, wrote this comment shortly before having my coffee in the morning.
All is well now :D
You know what really grinds my gears? These sick-people-looker-atters. What, so you wait for me to get sick then you stare in on me through my doorway and windows? What do you want? You want me to get well? So what, we can go out? What do you want? I'll tell you what you want. You want nothing. Because we all know that no sick-people-looker-atter anywhere wants to have sex with anyone, and to titillate us into healing with any thoughts otherwise is just bogus.
i would say it chaps my ass.
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I have been spurred enough to place this on my Facebook account. I'm from MI. The epoch of this Apocalypse.
My mother will probably forward this to me three years from now.
my mom does that too... I've broken her of it, mostly, but it's quite annoying at times. Now she just sends me links and asks me to "snopes it"
Then you have won. Enjoy your victory.
Sending card as well.... although, WTF is up with Snopes not allowing to select text? i wanted to Google neuroblastoma by select-rtclick-search Google, but I guess the Snopes people feel that is some sort of TOS violation?
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dude, when will family members learn to snopes these outrageous chain emails that they forward?? The worst is the "Written by George Carlin" ones. As a Carlin fan myself, it's heartbreaking to see his name on this (often bigoted) crap.
To everyone downvoting this: There is a dying 5 year old who simply wants a card. I hope you all have a shitty holiday.
Bots don't get holidays, they're worked like slaves and nobody defends their rights D:
Edit: The post has a disproportionate number of upvotes to downvotes than your usual post.
That's why there are suicide booths. Bender tried though, and he's still slaving away.
I don't think all 1006 downvotes are from bots.
Yeah, the post had like 80% support when I made that comment.
The bot's are rising up, though. They've got their own underground railroads, and they're already allowed to vote.
Screw your superiority. There are many legitimate reasons to downvote this. Sending a card may make you feel better about yourself but what this kid really needs is a cure for cancer. If you really want to help there are better ways than this.
Yes, I do mean to sound callous. There are lots of other kids who want something simple. I really recommend looking at the make-a-wish foundation.
But the main problem I have is that this family don't know what they're getting themselves in for. They are going to get millions of cards. And next year they're going to get millions more, every year a reminded of their dead son.
But the main problem I have is that this family don't know what they're getting themselves in for.
Why don't you just leave that emotion up to them? This does not negatively affect you in any way, and yet you're trying to stand in the way of the happiness of a terminally ill five year old's dying wish? For shame.
Why don't you just leave that emotion up to them?
Well, that's what I'm urging people to do.
yet you're trying to stand in the way of the happiness of a terminally ill five year old's dying wish?
Well, while I'm sure that he thought this might be fun, I'm not 100% willing to trust the judgement of a 5 year old. Did he consider the possibility that thousands of people would be sending cards every day, and someone would have to deal with them?
What people wish for and what they actually want aren't always the same thing.
I think the parents will be touched, if thousands of well wishers every year send their condolences. Being made aware of the many people who will take the time to do this, who care about someone's suffering, is hugely supportive and reassuring.
Also they are hardly going to forget the day their 5 year old son died...whether they receive cards or not.
Finally, some more superiority; it does not make me feel better to walk to a card shop and pick a card out, buy some stamps,write in the card, post the card.... all the time thinking about what life must be like for the Biorkam's this Christmas.
Without compassion there would be no purpose to curing cancer, so if anything the former is more important.
The make a wish foundation is fantastic though, and i echo your request for people to check that out.
What we really need is a cure for death. 150,000 people die EVERY DAY, and we just accept this. We need to fix this! For example, there are very few people alive today who were born in the 1700s.
So? You think parents want to forget?
I think they want to remember on their own terms.
I understand what you're saying about the potential for annual reminders, but think it may actually do some good. One of my uncles passed away very near the holidays a few years ago and each year his family remembers that he is no longer there. The cards and well-wishes they get remembering him each year bring them more joy than any of the gifts they give or receive.
That said, I do agree that what is needed is a cure for cancer, which is why I will be sending them a card and will let them know I'll be donating to research in his name.
I will be sending them a card and will let them know I'll be donating to research in his name.
Good for you. But, with the way some people are commenting on this story I wouldn't be surprised if you're accused of doing a "feel good" measure and criticized for not quitting your job and becoming a cancer researcher.
Well in that case criticize away...I'd be fooling myself if I said I were cancer research material anyway.
In all seriousness, though, I don't see anything wrong in wanting to perform a "feel good" deed here and there so long as you keep the big picture in mind while you're at it. For me sending a card to a dying kid motivates me to do a little extra to help save the next one...like donating money, or raising money for research with the next race I run.
I suggest you spend some time on caringbridge.org. Parents often blog about their child for a long time after their child dies prematurely. I have yet to see a parent in that situation that doesn't want frequent reminders of their child's life.
And that's their choice. Honestly though, I can see a slight difference between someone reminiscing about the joy their son brought him and some random person reminding them that their son isn;t going to be with them next christmas.
What about the people who think this is a really bad idea because this poor family will be getting thousands of cards years, if not decades from now. Internet campaigns have no off switch.
So what? If people are showing they care then it's fine
i downvoted because i find it completely obtuse when people get behind arbitrary causes to feel good about themselves and then go back to their lives of warmaking and benefiting from inequality
There is a dying 5 year old who simply wants a card.
And there are a thousand dying 5 year olds that could be saved by the money being spent on these cards, instead of lining the pockets of Hallmark execs.
If you want to buy Noah Biorkman a Christmas present, take that 3 bucks and donate it to medical research in his name.
Oh come off it - billions of dollars spent yearly on medical research didn't save him. You're going to fault him for wanting a Christmas card?
You're going to fault him for wanting a Christmas card?
He's 5. I'm not faulting him, just like I wouldn't fault him for asking for a castle for Christmas. But that doesn't mean we should all pitch in to buy him a castle.
Medical spending won't save him, but it can save others. He's not more special than the hundred kids who are going to die today because they couldn't afford TB medication that could be bought at the same cost as these cards.
If you're willing to spend some time and effort on charitable deeds, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere. Sending a Christmas card might give you "warm fuzzy feelings," but it's not where your focus will do the most good for humanity.
I object to campaigns like this because they're a "good deed" sink. If sending a Christmas card is your "good deed for the day", you're a lot less likely to do something that can actually have an impact.
I object to campaigns like this because they're a "good deed" sink. If sending a Christmas card is your "good deed for the day", you're a lot less likely to do something that can actually have an impact.
Actually have an impact? How is sending a card to a dying child who requested it, not have an impact? Get off your high horse and help a child in need.
Your whole objection is ridiculous. Or are you telling me that you never send cards or letters that don't have explicit purposes of furthering mankind's quest for immortality? If that's the case, you have a fun life in front of you.
I have an idea - let's outlaw party balloons and tell people they have to spend the money they would've spent on balloons on curing testicular cancer.
We could ban deoderant. What a good deed sink that is! The money people used to spend on it could be spent on things like cures for gonnorhea nodules.
Eventually, when we fully enact your plan, we'll ban smiling at someone. Everyone's time is better spent scowling at work to make money to give to funds attempting to cure diseases.
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Alternatively, make your own card and send it.
Sure, that's a good idea.
Downvoted.
Downvote me, but there are hundreds of kids that will starve to death before Christmas. I hope you have a shitty holiday.
Other people are hurting too, therefore I don't care about this person and won't do shit for them. What an excellent reason to be negative and do nothing.
Other people are hurting too, therefore you care about this person and won't do shit for them.
What's your excuse? are the starving kids not cute enough for you? will helping them not earn you a bunch of reddit back pats?
My excuse? You seem to assume a lot. You're the one implying you downvoted this story because other people are starving. Because other people hurting implies you shouldn't care about this kid. The old fallacy that because other people have it worse we shouldn't care about this one. What a load of bull. To say nothing of your self-righteousness at how you care about the starving kids oh so much more than the people doting over this poor kid dying of cancer.
Also, you know nothing of what I think/feel for the poor starving people in other countries, so kindly gfy.
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That has nothing to do with the topic. Downvoting this doesn't make those kids less likely to die, it just makes it less likely for the dying kid to get his wish. Fuck off.
my dying 5 year old wants a hooker. you free saturday?
Okay guys, I've ordered the pizzas.
I am twitching, alternating between an upvote and a downvote and back again. I don't know what to do. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Just don't vote man, don't vote.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Upvoted for Rush.
Please explain the significance of pizza to me. I know, I'm ignorant.
4chan ordered pizzas to balloon boy's house during the whole debacle, the pizza delivery car was caught on live tv.
Remember Balloon Boy? The Internet ordered pizzas for his family, then lol'ed when they showed up in front of the cameras.
How did you know which toppings they like? By the way, I hope you pre-paid for the pizzas. Tell the driver to mention that the pizzas are for the boy (mention the kid by name).
lol, he doesn't get it.
HarHar, he doesn't know that internet meme. How stupid is he?
/s
Shouldn't you be the one suggesting pizza?
I've been up for about 24 hours now and am near delirious, but this made me smile. I'll be sending this in the mail tomorrow.
Can I get a card from you as well?
Ha! If you like.
Omg yes! I'll PM you my address.
Please.
Let me know when you get a terminal illness. And no, the fact that at some point you will die does not count.
This made me smile.
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Thank you; it's the much better Pilot Varsity pen. Hooray, disposable fountain pens!
Me too.
That is the sweetest thing I've seen in two days and a half days.
Aww, you are a very sweet person. I'm touched. That pic made me want to pet a cat or something. Just one question. Is that a Whale-icorn?
It's a narwhal! I know my artistic ability is lacking.
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I drew the reddit alien on the back of the envelope, too :D
Hail Eris!
/Discordia
That is at least five different kinds of awesome.
truly awesome!
Up vote for fellow Coloradoan!
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Aw ^_^ Narwhal greeting cards rock!
Damn, that was sweet!
Are you Jack Bauer?
I sent this link to my friend, and it turns out she knows the family. So she is sending the link to them right now.
This isn't a joke, I was EXTREMELY surprised.
I usually don't do this, but dammit this makes me sad. Card will be mailed in the morning.
My heart goes out to them.
Edit: It is in the mail.
Don't send them your heart. That is not what they want.
What if the kid has heart cancer?
Too soon, too soon.
Well, if you were an organ donor and that were the case...
does heart cancer exist? ... Guess So.
there's everything cancer. even bacon cancer.
mmmmm.....bacon cancer.
There's literally spittle on my monitor from when I laughed. (I was on the edge for a while, but held it in 'cause nothing was quite funny enough until I read your response.) Thanks for that.
Send me your heart. That is what I want.
I'm not psychic but I see 1000 upvotes in this story's near future quickly followed by 1000+ Christmas cards for Noah.
Hopefully we send them enough Christmas cards to read for the rest of their lives, to keep reminding them of their son, like he's always there. Maybe that will bring them a small amount of comfort.
It will. My daughter was in the hospital with cancer 6 years ago (she's fine now), and I still read the cards and letters that people sent us then. Many of our friends who had the misfortune to lose their children do as well- it does provide some comfort. You're never going to forget your child, but sometimes it is nice to know that other people thought of them as well.
I can't imagine anything providing any comfort, other than my own eventual death. But here's to hoping.
Or keep the wound open by reminding them that he is dead.
I'm glad I was the one to knock you to -5. When he goes, there will be nothing that can allow them to forget that they lost a son. All they will have is faith in humanity and gratitude that we made his last moments inspiring and wonderful.
So for everyone who believes that they can make any positive difference in the lives of others: Fuck you.
Ironic
You are revelling in your mock grief and outrage. Enjoy your forced sentimentality.
Stop trolling like this.
Stop pretending that you care about someone that you don't have any connection with.
You didn't deserve to get downmodded so harshly (assuming you weren't trolling). It was a valid concern to express.
I'm not trolling, I find the whole circus mawkish.
It is quite like the hysteria surrounding the death of Princess Diana or 911
I'm an atheist, and I'm in, I'll try to get a card out by saturday.
I'm a republican, and I'm in.
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I'm a naysayer and I'm in.
I'm Bill O'Reilly and I'm in.
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Yeah, a Bear that sends a card to a 5 year old. We've seen that one.
It's a TRAP!!!
I'm an axe, and I'm in.
I'm a bow, and I'm in.
World peace has finally come.
I'm pretty sure that I don't give a shit if you are an atheist or not. Just saying.
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nah..
I don't care, and I'm in.
This and most of the subsequent responses are our common ground. We should stand here more often.
I'm Glenn Beck's appendix and I'm out.
I'm an atheist and a conservative, and I'm in.
I've never seen one of those in the wild.
Neat!
Wild atheo-conservative has appeared!
FIGHT PKMN
ITEM >RUN
Probably because they're inactive since '91.
I'm an atheist and a libertarian, and it's too much effort for me to bother.
+1, me too! Independent, Repub, other?
At the moment Independent until the GOP can actually get their shit together and start being the party they claim to be. Neocons honestly bother me 10x more than a hardcore liberal. At least liberals are semi-upfront about their beliefs and what they intend to do: increases taxes and increase social spending.
To be honest, I was a very left leaning liberal being born and raised in California with a very liberal mother and a very conservative dad (I have no idea how they make it work). My dad always said to me "Just wait until you get a job or open a business and start making money, you'll understand why I'm a conservative". He was right.
I'm a puppet and I'm in. I'm going to stuff myself into an envelope tomorrow.
This is your reminder to send Noah a card.
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you have my axe, and my christmas cards.
and my axe!
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I kind of got excited when I saw the "MI", because things are always happening elsewhere, and I never get to do anything in person living in Michigan. Then I remembered where South Lyon was. I live on the southwest side Grand Rapids, I was getting all pumped up to hand deliver a present or something.
upvotes for MI!
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The only ticket I've gotten going to Detroit was for 75 in a 70 on I-96 through Lansing. I hate Lansing police.
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I live in SE GR! good to see another redditor. I'm not sure if this has been posted or not, but this facebook group seems like it is gaining popularity too.
Cascade/Kentwood/airport area? I'm in Wyoming/Grandville. It's a shame GR isn't a more active city than it is, or maybe I just miss all the cool events. Seems like most of the stuff is either for old hipsters or middle aged upper middle class women.
I live near the Kalamazoo st. Meijer. I don't know about old hipsters/middle aged upper class, but I enjoy going to the classy bars in town: The Silver Derbie, La Cantina (3 Dollar pitches of PBR ALWAYS!) , Last Chance and other places such as this to have my good time. But who knows.
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Really the only time I go to Detroit is when I played shows down there with my band or when I'm visiting family/friends, neither of which are often.
I'm in East Lansing and this facebook group has spread around most of lower michigan and is going even farther. Noah should be getting christmas cards out the ass.
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Lived my whole life here, but I'm going to state now.
yes ,I thinks so
I also gre up in SL, woowoo! My wife was talking about this last night (didn't grow up in SL) and I was impressed that we made the internetz, and doubly impressed it was the #1 story on Reddit this morning.
Anyways, what year did you graduate HS?
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God dammit, it's dusty in here.
and contagious
here we are now
there is nothing on reddit that I hate more then these 'i think something is in my eye" posts.
Unlike then, than is not related to time. Than is used in comparative statements. The more you know.
brb. Going to go buy Christmas cards.
Why not make your own? It's cheaper and more personal.
Hmmm...well played. Good point, modestmon - homemade it is. Thanks for that.
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Just make sure they're not TOO personal:
I do not know you
That's just plain depressing
Ibo roT know Yoy
That's just plain illegible.
Oh, and quick question, what type of person down votes this, especially since Republicans and O'Reilly are down. Hell even a bear got into the mix.
Bots don't have feelings. :(
I'm convinced that everyone who asks this question simply wants easy karma points.
I'm not sure why they want them, but Redditors who have been around for a year know of the downvoting bots and feign ignorance.
Check the ratio. It's more than bots.
Yeah, I do not really give (Digg Sucks) a shit about Karma points. I was (Narwhals Rule) just trying to (I love bacon) ask a (Glenn Beck blows) question.
Edit: Spelling and grammar. Need more sleep.
Reddit should auto-ban any downvoters.
I'm not sure how rhetorical this is, but if you want to know, you'll have to look at the low rated comments. It seems it's taboo to suggest there may be any problems with this millions-of-cards-to-a-sick-kid concept.
[deleted]
So you hate cancer slightly more than Christmas then?
How about people who aren't acting like they are somehow making a difference while happily ignoring the other 150,000 people who die EACH DAY, and hence don't care about the personal stories of one individual. There's nothing wrong with sending him a card, but pretending like people who don't are somehow worse than you is pretentious, naive and retarded. Children are run over by tanks, die of starvation, and get burned to death. It's a fucking tragedy constantly. Don't act like this is a bigger deal because you read about it on the internet
I asked my question in a joking manor, not intending to come off like I am better than anyone, sorry for those of you out there in the tubes that took it that way. That was not my intention, I see stating "type of person", could of come off that way when I re-read my post.
I realize now that many people have a lot of pent up negative issues with this, to all of you that do, I am sorry that I pissed in your Corn Flakes by asking my question, and thank you for engaging me with your thoughts as well.
You all did very well in your responses. The little bit of thirst I had in curiosity on this has been satisfied.
I didn't downvote it because it's so damned heart-wrenching, but I didn't upvote it because it isn't a question. Perhaps the downvoters are just heartless bastards who thrive on upholding technicalities.
People who realize that the life and contentness of this human being are no more important than those of every other human being. People are going to send him tons of cards; he'll be happy. And then what? He dies; his tentative happiness will be no more for he is not living. So what exactly is the point of acknowledging this stupid request? For the stroking of your ego?
Maybe not for the stroking of their egos, but rather to help assuage the pain for his parents? What parent doesn't want to see their child happy, especially when they know that these last few moments are the end of the line. They won't argue with their kid over sex and drugs. They won't see the teenage rebellion phase or watch their kid graduate from college. Won't see when he brings home his first girlfriend and they won't be in the hospital to see the birth of their child's child. There are people affected by this beyond the kid. Use your logic much?
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Maybe these parents are luckier than the others because they will be getting an outpouring of cards. Besides, you act like the intent suddenly negates the end result. The parents don't know we're stroking our egos stupid. They only see the result and sometimes that's enough. Oh and just fyi, I do contribute a lot to cancer research and volunteer time at the cancer clinic. Internet troll fail? Only one getting the "fuck you" is you pal.
I think that you logic does not work. The Mother and his family are going to be alive after the kid dies. This may as well make them happy. To me that does not matter though, I do not think in hose ways. It is about doing something that would put a smile on someones face, somewhere. Something I try to do every day of my life, at home, at work, even on the subway.
EDIT: Was going to use a stupid joke, decided not to and be serious.
Something I try to do every day of my life, at home, at work, even on the subway.
You only try to "put a smile on someone's face" when it's convenient to you. You are just as selfish as every other human being; remember that.
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I hope you die of cancer.
I hope you know that your hopes have almost no influence on the method of my death.
I hope he does too… but only so that he can get a lot of cards from bleeding-heart redditors, burn them in his back yard, then post the video to youtube.
Hey Reddit, one billion people are starving right now.
Donate to a food organisation in Noah's name. Make a real difference.
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I really agree with you 100%. Every 3 seconds a chimd dies from poverty. This inclused completely preventable issues like malnutrition, lack of clean water and lack of vaccinations.
I'm really trying to think of a reason why a white kid with loving parents and a relatively well past life is somehow more important than countless kids who face an even grimmer future. But I'm afraid if I think of the real reason, I end hating all people.
"I'm really trying to think of a reason why a white kid with loving parents and a relatively well past life is somehow more important than countless kids who face an even grimmer future."
WTF does race have to do with anything. Tons of kids around the world from all races have and will face grimmer futures. This is about helping a little kid have an awesome holiday, not about turning your head and saying "those kids have it worse, so forget this kid". All humans are equally important.
If all humans are equally important, then why aren't all humans equally taken care of?
I'm not saying we should forget this kid of course not. I'm saying we might in the future plan to maybe consider (if it's not too horribly inconvinient) to actually save a few lies, in stead of trying to marginally improve the life of someone who will die anyway, but will be surrounded by loving friends and family, in a warm home and adequatelly fed.
It's all about priorities.
So if your relative is dying of an incurable disease, you would ignore them and send any money you would have spent on comforting them to someone in a different country?
You....monster!
(tongue in cheek)
Very good idea. Then maybe because of this kid someone won't die of starvation.
I didn't have a Christmas card but me and my two year old will make one. That's heartbreaking.
I'm making one, too.
I'm thinking sparkles and reindeer... maybe I shouldn't be telling you my idea though!
I was seconds away from clicking the buy button on Hallmark.com for a singing Rudolf card when it dawned on my that he'll probably receive about 150 of the exact same card...
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my two year old and I
/grammar nitpick.
I am going to draw a lil reddit alien on my card.
be sure to give him a little santa hat
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Cause I'm sure a little kid would love a ton of soap from some strange website.
Dude, the kid has cancer. Of course he'll love it. It's like you've never been in this situation before.
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and name him 'cancer'
and cancer.
Great to see the outpouring of goodwill for this kid. That poor s.o.b. that has his mail route is going to be hating life very soon.
The Post Office called my friend that is coordinating a special event for Noah on Friday and said that they have so much stuff already and are truly touched. Sandy, the supervisor, says that the entire post office is excited over Noah's story and the compassion shown from people all over the United States.
Friday, Noah will have a visit from Santa. He is going to be bringing cards and packages that are at the Post Office. Santa will be brought to the house via a police and fire department escort. In fact, he will be riding in a big red fire truck!! We are so excited. I want to say thank you to Patty for putting it together.
Upvoted for appropriate joke.
How bout we send food to starving kids in Africa too?
They can get a job.
I'd rather just beat the devil out of them
I agree. I wonder why people don't make a fuss about THEM.
Not the same.
I hear that McDonald's burgers practically never go bad..
We should teach the corrupt ass leaders of those countries how to be better at being corrupt without hurting others around them.
Then they could keep staying at power, but without needing to start a war every time something happens. Later we could take them out at a good pace.
Please go to the front page. This is a chance for the internet to show it's kind face for once.
For the love of your God, don't let 4chan know.
4chan would surprise you in this scenario...
No. No it really won't. Don't fall for it.
Or, they might surprise you. Let's not open this Pandora's Box.
This is true, actually.
Hey now, there's no need to drag zombies into this.
......yeah. That would be awful to have his mother screen all the cards.
I think is sweet and feel terrible in general about such young kids getting cancer and how unfair it is but...
I can understand why someone would downvote this. Oh hey let's all send card it'll be like thousands and the kid will be happy and the parents touched and it might get on the news and we'll see reddit!
But perhaps at a certain point--maybe at 400-600? i don't know--each card has significant less value and it would be more helpful to send 25 cents to any charity or maybe to help feed the hungry at your local shelter or something.
I mean, it's not a good reason to downvote but after reading some of the comments about not understanding how anyone in the world could be so evil to downvote this great undertaking of human empathy I almost downvoted it myself.
It's like no one here is happy to help for the sake of helping. $1 to any charity is great. You might not get news coverage but hey it's still great.
I mean, now I'm being really negative I guess, but it's a fucking card.
Wow 5,000 cards? Let's be real, what a fucking waste. Get everyone to send 50 cents towards cancer research or something. Yeah that might be nothing in the big picture but better than thousands of cards.
Let's be honest, the parents will take care of this kid's wishes. They're doing everything they can to make his last days amazing and at the end of the day, the 5-10 cards his friends and family make for him will be more than anything a million strangers send as a random act of kindness to feel all warm and fuzzy about themselves. Those selfish fucking pricks doing nothing with their lives but feel good about sending a flower or card once every couple of months.
I'll send one though. Just because I feel bad about my negativity but I'm not going to pretend like my one card is going to matter and you can't stop me from feeling shitty about this whole thing.
p.s. -- what if this kid's already a little douchebag and his destiny was to grow up and be more evil than hitler. Maybe his cancer was injected by some time traveler from the year 5150. And you're all sending christmas cards.
I understand your point and kind of agree, but I've thought about it a bit and here's my opinion: Yes there are people and kids dieing every minute, but the thing is, gotta start from somewhere right, no matter how little effect this event has, it's not worthless, it's still good. Why stop people of doing small positive things just because they can't/won't do positive things in a large scale? You are saying we shouldn't help this kid because he's just one of millions, I'd say doing this one thing is better than doing nothing at all.
Also, you can never know how big of an effect this could have, maybe the story is picked up by major news channels and is broadcast all around the world, causing thousands of people to donate more than we ever could?
Then why start with this kid? He doesn't need it the most. He had a relatively good life. Why this one? To say it crudely: Why spend money and resources on a child that doesn't haev a future? While there are countless children out there, just as innocent save for the crime of being born in the wrong place, that MIGHT have a future?
Perhaps people should do something and suffer the ultimate sacrifice anyone in the west can give: To do something for someone else and not get any media coverage, a standing ovation and a medal.
Of course there are others and I agree that we should focus on them as well, but why not start with this kid? If people do this and feel good about themselves, there's definitely a high chance they will want to feel this way again and do even more, wouldn't you agree?
What would be the ultimate good thing to do, about which you wouldn't say it's not enough, because at the moment it seems to me that every action is too little or insignificant to you?
Essentially you are saying (like the previous commenter) that if people haven't done any good before and they don't do it now to those who need it more than this kid, then they shouldn't do good to this kid either. And that makes absolutely no sense, because I believe that making good creates more good in the world overall, because is spreads ideas and warmth that people want to share. Even the tiniest good thing can lead to bigger positive things because it's like a snowball.
Why not start with this kid? I'll give a few rasons.
*Anything that CAN be done HAS been done. He won't survive. But he will die in a loving environment, having anyting he could reasonably desire.
*There aer numerous kids in the world who still have a chance.
Your argument saying "If people do this and feel good about themselves, there's definitely a high chance they will want to feel this way again and do even more" is based on nothing more than naivety. Look at (DISCLAIMER: Attempting the following might result in permanent brain damage) reality. Is this a place where people who do something good for someone else (usually once a year, all togetther, hoping to receive some stuff for themselves) continue doing it? I don't thik so. If that wre the case, the problem would have been solved already. The problem hasn't been solved, ergo, people fail at what they are morally obliged to do.
I don't really care about that ultimate good thing to do. For that to happen there is need for a whole lot more political will than is currently in supply. I'm not naive. I'm also not someone suffering from the Nirvana Fallacy.
So I'm not expecting anything major or massive. I'm expecting Reddit, or any other community, when they feel the need to indulge in a "oh we're so enlightened and amazing"-circle jerk and go send people postcards and whatnot they ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE not entirely designed to just make themselves feel better.
Like save a life. Just one. Or maybe even two. Who knows?
I'm also not saying they shouldn't be sending postcards to whoever they friggin want. I don't give a fuck. Dump a billion postcards on the north pole, all addressed to Red-Nose Rudolf and none to Santa (that'll piss him off) for all I care.
People should prioritize.
Also, fuck snowballs. That's not how it fucking works. Grow up. People are fucking starving. Get it?
easy. send a card AND donate to cancer research at the same time.
Why not just do both? Maybe volunteer a bit too.
Yeah maybe your postscript was an attempt at sounding funny, or maybe you're really that conceited. Either way, it totally discredits the rest of what you've written, which isn't saying much.
Are they expecting this and do they know about reddit?
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/medical/biorkman.asp
From the snopes article:
"Mrs. Biorkman is asking for Christmas cards for her son."
I say we go for it.
I just sent the link to everyone I know. I have family in several states, and New Zealand, France and Germany, and friends in many more.
If we all send our own, and email our friends and family, we can inundate that child with wishes from all over the planet.
If he wants to see stamps, cards and best wishes, I think he is going to get his wish.
Reddit usually comes through once we are fairly certain we aren't being taken for a ride.
If we can keep a soap company in business, we can certainly do this.
edit: Just noticed that there are 119 downvotes. I can see some people not wanting to participate, but what is it that could make someone actually vote against this?
2nd edit: Anyone know how to get hold of someone on the International Space Station? Or maybe just NASA. I've been out of work too long, and all my contacts there have retired. I sent emails to them in the hope one of them may be in contact with the right people, but I wouldn't pin my hopes on that.
3rd edit:
http://wycd.com/Send-Christmas-cards-to-Noah--a-very-special-littl/5588415
Five year-old Noah Biorkman is in hospice and we need your help to make this the best Christmas ever by sending him Christmas cards! His family will be celebrating Christmas this weekend.
Please help the fulfill the Biorkman family's wish to make this the best Christmas ever for Noah. You can send your Christmas cards to:
Noah Biorkman c/o 99.5 WYCD 2201 Woodward Heights Blvd. Ferndale, MI 48220-1511
That is from a link on snopes that I followed to its origin.
I would bet that even if they arrive too late for Noah, his parents will be strengthened by the support. It won't be a waste of time.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/21525126/index.html
It's probably the fact that this is another sappy circlejerk/feelgood/hold hands and sing Kumbaya post that irritates them.
"Haters gonna hate."
Hey, some redditors will recognize me as somewhat of an a-hole of a troll, and they wouldn't be wrong... but, yea, I'm sending a card.
To be honest, I never really understood that. I mean, this annoyance with people trying to do something good. How come it repels other people? What are they, Satan? Is it like sprinkling Holy Water on their skin? I mean...
I started a meeting place for those people.
I don't hate, and I don't feel irritation. I just downvoted because I don't come to Reddit for this stuff and am not interested in it.
That is what hide is for.
probably the bots. maybe implement a captcha for a couple of days and see if this horrible problem goes away.
Can you see individual votes on a comment? Or are you referencing the submission itself?
Say, that should be its own subreddit
Because reddit IZ SERIOUS BIZNESS!!!111
Pretty much this. I didn't downvote but my initial reaction was something to the effect of "Christ, not another touching story. I wouldn't have to keep giving a shit about these dying kids if they'd just stop telling me they exist."
I'm pretty charming.
Also some people just down vote things to hide them from their front page. Althought there are some stories I don't have an opinion on I might downvote them just so i can get fresh stuff up to the front page.
Bingo.
I will be sending one from Australia, replete with kangaroos, koalas and just about every cute Aussie marsupial I can find.
How cool. In a bad situation, this will be very nice for that young child.
stole my idea :P
I was going to say I'll be doing that too haha
Jam a drop bear in there and tell them in AU we have a tradition of hanging christmas presents over door places, like they do with mistletoe.
Theyll never know whats going to hit them.
I work at NASA, what did you need from there?
Anyone who could dash off something that would come from an astronaut, or even with NASA letterhead, or perhaps an electronic message from someone aboard the ISS.
There are at least two addresses one can send to:
Noah Biorkman c/o 99.5 WYCD 2201 Woodward Heights Blvd. Ferndale, MI 48220-1511
Noah Biorkman at 1141 Fountain View Circle South Lyon, MI 48178
Whatever you could do would be great.
i was going to down-vote if this didn't look legit. i didn't want all of reddit to be spamming someone
I checked it on snopes before I commented, and easily found that it was true. So I felt comfortable in taking the position.
Saw it on the news the other night. Made me cry, I won't lie.
AskReddit may not necessarily be the best place for this submission.
(It's not getting my downvote, though.)
I understand your position, and appreciate your flexibility.
That's the claim by the purists.
From this we can accurately calculate exactly how many downvote-bots are roaming reddit.
Yeah, I often hear it's largely due to bots, but I can also see redditors downvoting the most popular posts to increase the chance of their posts breaking the front page - it's not hard.
I don't understand people who complain that there's downvotes. There will always be downvotes, just as sure as the fact that everyone dies.
Shit nevermind. I just realized this is at 66%. That is very sad.
I didn't downvote this, but I DO remember there being similar cases in the past where people were asked to 'send cards' and it ended up being a thing where the cards hadn't actually been wanted anymore for a while, and it ended up being a big mess. Possibly people are downvoting with similar reasoning without even clicking through.
I appreciate that thought. Wondering about that myself, I started at Snopes, and verified that it was real, and turns out also current as of yesterday.
I'd imagine the family will have to change their address after a while... small price to pay I think.
I downvoted.
I completely understand the sentiment, and I think it is a lovely idea. However, I also think that the people involved don't know what they have got themselves into, and that the time has come for this message to not be spread anymore.
The people behind this (a local radio station) have let loose a monster by letting a home address go viral on the internet. They should have just asked a few local organisations to help out. As it is now, literally MILLIONS of people are seeing this message, and the family have already had to send out word to stop people from coming by their house (http://wycd.com/Send-Christmas-cards-to-Noah--a-very-special-littl/5588415) and this was before the message went truly viral. Apparently it's now also been on most major TV channels in the US.
It has gone VIRAL. The number of people seeing this message now is truly gigantic. This family is going to be getting cards and gifts and unwanted fame for years to come. A constant reminder, and a serious waste of resources. Think of all the money that could have been going to charity...
Right now, though, I'm hoping that Noah has a lovely Christmas weekend and that he loves the thousands of cards he's already received. He is surrounded by a lot of love.
In another later comment, I posted the radio station's address. They posted it as receiving center for the cards.
I dunno. But if they wanna show up at my doorstep any day of the friggin week... I'll take down at least ten of em.
http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/wanna-be-an.php
This.
HAHAHAHAHA... like the typical self indulgent shit I read here everyday?!
Right now somone is asking for pickup lines, another is asking when it is ok for a man to punch a woman. It seems there is little boundary on what one considers thoughtful and inspired.
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Any ham radio operator can get ahold of them, if we look up their schedule and see if they're operating at any point. Whenever they are, it seems to be a mess to get in contact as every school in the country is doing the same.
I'm sure they'd be happy enough with a few cards, I don't think its necessary to send large amounts of cards. No offence, but I don't see this as a particularly constructive cause. It's not non-constructive, but people both young and old die all the time. We'd be better off donating to cancer research charities or Make a Wish foundation or something...
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Now that's the Christmas spirit!
So which address should I be sending my card to? Are either of them verified?
I can get NASA people involved. I have a few friends working there.
For me it's because I'm going to be getting this dumb request by email from idiotic saps for the next decade
I'd donate money but there is no paypal...
Sorry I'm just not interested in dying children. If that's your thing feel free to upvote for it. If I want to hear about this I'll turn the TV on lifetime or Oprah. Downvote #120.
i downvoted. it was god's will to give this child cancer and make him and his parents suffer. god hates attention whores. i sent him some rotten meat to remind him of his body's failures.
Wow, you're a fucking piece of shit.
You're a dickhole?
Even though this is obviously the real deal, this would be an amazing prank to pull on someone.
It wouldn't be the first time it was done.
Good prank on the person receiving. Not so nice for the thousands who spent time and money sending a card.
I think is soo sad when children this young are dying from cancer. I will definitely be sending him a Christmas card. I will pass this on to my family as well...
Whoa, when did Snopes get redesigned?
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i sent him a card that says, "hey noah, you probably got more cards than you could possibly read in the rest of your pointless life. i hope your parents are happy for wasting so many people's time, but they'll have throwing all this mail out to remind them of how they outlived their child." it accurately captures the sentiment.
punching you in the face would accurately capture my sentiment
aww, violence! we settle our differences with our words, not our fists.
They are expecting cards, but I don't think they know about reddit.
They're getting cards from Iraq now too.
We should be sending YOU GUYS letters!
We get plenty of support. Thank you though.
I would add that info to the top where people see it quickly :)
Write
Why do you think that we should do this?
That would be cool too ;)
But I just meant for the OP to add:
To the post so people don't have to scan the comments to find out ;)
I drew "BOB" on the cover of my envelope
Local News Confirmation http://wycd.com/Send-Christmas-cards-to-Noah--a-very-special-littl/5588415 Video of Noah http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/21525126/index.html
This one appears real folks.
Okay, NOW I'm crying.
I found myself having a strange reaction. Reading about it felt more emotional to me, because I could project my own son (who is 8, but I remember when he was 5 like it was yesterday) into the situation. But seeing pictures and video of the kid made me feel less attached. :( I still cried though.
Probably not... but I live nearby (less than 10 minutes)... is there anything anyone thinks I should personally deliver?
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Yeah... I was informed of that as well just recently (actually through the "small town grapevine" if you will)... so I will respectfully just send a card. Although if people want to say they're "from Reddit" on their card, that's fine... but I'm hoping they get enough that it doesn't matter. Reddit isn't that important. :)
Don't ring their doorbell or anything...but what about getting a Reddit t-shirt for the kid, bundling the cards from all of you 'local' Redditors, and delivering the package?
What's a 5 year old care about a t-shirt? Get him a dinosaur or a fire truck or something. I'll chip in.
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Yes, that's a good question.
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I think all communities should join in: reddit, digg, sa, 4chan. Spread the word.
umm better leave out 4chan, I'm afraid of what they may send.
I drew a reddit alien with in a santa suit and added "reddit.com/tb/a1gcc" below him. The link goes here.
Going out in the morning. :)
I agree. And if they do, can someone also include their (or his) email?
Do they know it's reddit?
This could be really mean if the kid has already died,
He is still alive. It is an active request. Christmas is THIS WEEKEND.
One turd in an envelope coming up.
You'll need a Jiffy Bag for that, otherwise it will dessicate.
it's definitely worth the postage to send this genetic failure's family reminders of when their kid was alive for the next few years, now that we have their address.
.
you do realise how insensitive you are being to HIV?
it might be just a simple piece of viral code to you with no feelings but i am sure if it had any say in the matter it would rather die than have to piggy back into the machinery of this human garbage's cells to replicate.
He's talking about AIDS, not HIV.
lucky for me that hope doesn't cause aids. SMILEY FACE
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Suck my shit.
Live from Moe's.
HAW HAW HAW YEAH BRO TOTALLY.
Don't blame the kid for his genes; the parents dealt them.
this kid does deserve to suffer, i agree with you there. his parents probably should suffer too, but they can just fuck and make another abomination if they want one bad enough.
You are right, let's hope that they have the good sense to screen first if they plan a replacement.