A Western Massachusetts girl was diagnosed with cancer just before her fourth birthday. A year later, Brittany Bliss’ family asked strangers to help celebrate for birthday as she continued battle cancer.
“Seeing as she cannot partake in a typical celebration, her parents will be collecting birthday cards to give to her on this special day to remind her how much she is loved,” New England Old World Antiquities wrote on Instagram.
On Friday, Elena Bliss posted on Instagram showing the 5-year-old had received a card from every state, plus Australia, Ireland and Canada. The cards had been sent to a P.O. box in South Hadley.
“Funny cards and sweet gestures have brought us so much joy and even tears of happiness!! Thank you all,” Elena Bliss wrote. “Cancer is terrible but good things like this help carry us through the hard times!”
Brittany was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, according to the Instagram account. According to the National Cancer Institute is the most common type of rhabdomyosarcoma. NCI’s website states it most often occurs in the head or neck but “can occur anywhere in the body.”
On Sunday, the family had to return to the hospital. It was the 5-year-old’s birthday.
“We are asking for prayers for Brittney, we are headed to the hospital,” Elena Bliss wrote.
Elena wrote Brittney also loves Bluey, princesses, unicorns, monster high, SpongeBob and crafts.