NJ campers write hundreds of birthday cards to boy battling cancer

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- A 5-year-old Massachusetts boy has a birthday wish that has gained national attention. He's battling cancer and today some New Jersey campers got to work helping to make his wish come true.

Danny Nickerson of Foxboro Massachusetts is a precious, beautiful young boy whose smile belies all he's been through. Danny suffers from a rare and incurable form of brain cancer.

His birthday is Friday, and while he could ask for toys or trips or a million other things, what he wants are birthday cards.

So the 279 campers at the International Sports Center of Cherry Hill are obliging.

We spoke to three of those campers - Emily Windrum, Aydan Horn, and Laurel Pondish - who say they are hoping for the best for Danny.

Emily tells us, "I feel happy that I'm making his wish come true and I hope he really likes all the cards we are making for him."

Aydan says, "I want to write the card for him because I hope he has a really happy birthday and I feel bad for him so I hope he feels better."

Laurel explains, "I just want him to know that he's not alone in the world, and I want him to know there are tons of people who feel really bad for him."

The camp learned of Danny's wish last week on Action News, and his story has gone viral.

Camp Director Donna Egan tells Action News, "Cards were being sent from Afghanistan, from Australia, from Germany - all over. So we were excited to be a part of this remarkable thing."

Danny loves the military and was recently given a medal for bravery. His mom says the cards that have been arriving cheer Danny up, and the campers are sending simple but heartfelt messages.

"I think you're really brave. I wish I could help you. I will pray for you every day," wrote Sydney Rawls.

Arianna Harris' card reads: "You are a brave little boy. Keep on being brave. Remember, don't be scared."

Doctors say children with Danny's type of cancer rarely live past a year and a half. So you can understand why turning six is such a milestone and something of a miracle.

Happy birthday, dear Danny. Happy birthday to you.