Thousands of Kind Strangers Unite to Make 4-Year-Old Wisconsin Girl’s Last Birthday Special

A dying four-year-old girl with only weeks to live was given a touching birthday surprise by thousands of strangers. The little girl received heartfelt gifts from people all over the world in hopes of making her last birthday special.

The thought of anyone suffering from a terminal illness is a lot to take in, and it's even more heartbreaking when innocent little children have to suffer. It's never easy to break in the news to any child that they are sick, especially with a sickness that has no cure.

In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, a family was gutted to find out that their precious four-year-old, Delaney, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Her cancer was so aggressive that her parents were told she likely only had six to eight weeks left to live.

Delaney's Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Delaney's mother Heather Krings spoke about her "small but mighty" daughter's illness, saying it is a diffused, specific type of cancer that has no cure. Unfortunately, the cancer has taken over many parts of Delaney's brain, which means undergoing radiation treatments would only cause more damage, pain, and side effects for the little girl.

Since finding out about her cancer, Delaney has been staying in the hospital for closer monitoring. She has only spent eight days out of the hospital, which meant not being able to do what she's used to.

According to Heather, her little girl knows that she has an "owie" on her head and that she will start feeling worse. However, the mom admits she hasn't told her daughter the entire truth just yet. "But how do you tell a four-year-old?" she asked. "It rips your heart out."

Cherishing Every Moment

Admittedly, Heather prayed multiple times to trade places with her daughter so she could live her life and continue sharing the love she so generously shares with the people around her. The doting mom describes her little girl as the happiest girl you could ever meet.

So, without taking any day for granted, Delaney's family wants her to feel as much love as possible while she battles her illness. They hoped to celebrate her 5th birthday in advance, and a family friend of theirs suggested a card drive.

Within days, news about Delaney's card drive spread throughout the community until it reached other states and eventually, around the world. Thanks to word spread by news stations, they received thousands of cards and gifts from strangers.

Delaney's Special Birthday

Delaney was surprised to receive so many cards from people but would usually get tired after reading four or five at a time. "It's a little overwhelming," her mom shared. They've received thousands of cards, but pick out just a handful and open them for her so that she doesn't get tired.

Aside from the cards, Delaney has also received some packages in the mail containing different items ranging from bracelets, ornaments, and even blankets. She also got a special greeting from NFL star JJ Watt, a native of Pewaukee like the Krings.

The footballer took a photo in his team's stadium in Atlanta with a handwritten note for Delaney. He posted it on Twitter for everyone to see, including the little girl.

Adding to her special list of greetings is a message from research scientists in Antarctica. As an actual card from Antarctica would've taken months, she received one through e-mail instead.

Messages from the Online Community

Thousands have read about Delaney's story online and made sure to express their thoughts on the internet. Many felt for the family and many reached out to show support and greet her a happy birthday:

"No child should ever have cancer. You are a warrior sweet baby! Keep fighting!" – Tasha Nunez (December 14, 2022)

"Happy Birthday little lady!! You are so brave and love your smile crooked and all. You seem like a sweetheart." – Cathy Tilot (December 14, 2022)

"Happy Birthday sweet girl! Praying for you and your family and that you may be blessed with a miracle. You are very loved by all!" – Tish Jeanneret (December 14, 2022)

"This precious child! My heart aches for her and her family! May your special day be a miracle." – Anne Gaillard Evicks (December 14, 2022)

A Birthday Parade

More than the cards and well wishes, Delaney's family has also raised $128,804 sent in by over 2000 donors through GoFundMe, which will all be used to pay for her hospital bills.

Heather also revealed a birthday parade was also organized by the community to celebrate Delaney. They invited a horse and carriage, first responders, dog groups, and local dance crews to join in on the fun.

Delaney was also treated to her favorites that day, particularly cake and hot cocoa. Her parents wanted her to experience one final special birthday celebration, knowing that her illness would make her feel worse in the coming weeks.

"She enjoyed every bit she was able to see," her mom said in an update. "With so much negativity in life right now, I believe Laney has provided us with just a little bit of her light to lift spirits and remind people that all it takes is kindness and a genuine smile," she added.

Delaney's family continues to wonder why it had to be her to suffer such a heartbreaking fate, knowing she is such a ray of sunshine in the world. Thanks to the unending support the whole world has given their family, they are somehow comforted amidst this very difficult time in their lives.

Click here to read about a dying little girl's wish to collect 10,000 toys for sick children, only to have her legacy live on through a yearly toy drive.