Christmas Cards for Jacob Hadcock
Email chain letter solicits Christmas cards for Jacob Hadcock, allegedly a 4-year-old with terminal cancer in Mexico, New York.
Description: Chain email
Circulating since: Dec. 2009
Status: Partly true
Example #1:
As posted on the Internet, Dec. 10, 2009:
Example #2:
As posted on the Internet, Dec. 10, 2009:
Analysis: Semi-true. Jacob Hadcock is a real 4-year-old child living in Mexico, New York, and he does have leukemia, but "he's going through treatment, and he's doing great," his mother told the Syracuse Post-Standard in mid-December 2009. Contrary to what is claimed in forwarded emails and Internet postings, Jacob's doctors do not consider his condition "terminal."
According to Jacob's parents, neither they nor anyone else have any idea where the false information originated or who launched the chain letter asking for Christmas cards on his behalf.
Some postings claim the drive is backed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A spokesperson denited it.
The Post-Standard reports that as of December 17, Jacob had received 25,000 Christmas cards. "The cards are a wonderful thing," his mother, Amie Hadcock was quoted as saying, "but we would rather everyone keep Jacob in their thoughts and prayers."
Sources and further reading:
Last updated 12/17/09
Description: Chain email
Circulating since: Dec. 2009
Status: Partly true
Example #1:
As posted on the Internet, Dec. 10, 2009:
Young Jacob Hadcock is 4 years old and has a terminal illness he lives in the United States, He would love to recieve xmas cards or letters from people all over the world, this may be Jacobs last Xmas so lets make his wish come true.
My daughter is a friend of his carer that's how I became aware of Jacob, so if you are feeling festive and want to make a young child happy send your cards or letters to.
Jacob Hadcock
(Address deleted)
Thank you.
Example #2:
As posted on the Internet, Dec. 10, 2009:
I volunteer on the Polar Express each year and the first one was last weekend. There was a young boy on the train who is only 4 or 5 years old that has terminal cancer and they don't think he'll make next Christmas - all he asked for is Christmas cards from lots of people so i'm asking you to help spread the word and let's make his wish come true.
The Santa got the information from the mom and passed it on to us.
Here Is The Address:
JACOB HADCOCK
(Address deleted)
Analysis: Semi-true. Jacob Hadcock is a real 4-year-old child living in Mexico, New York, and he does have leukemia, but "he's going through treatment, and he's doing great," his mother told the Syracuse Post-Standard in mid-December 2009. Contrary to what is claimed in forwarded emails and Internet postings, Jacob's doctors do not consider his condition "terminal."
According to Jacob's parents, neither they nor anyone else have any idea where the false information originated or who launched the chain letter asking for Christmas cards on his behalf.
Some postings claim the drive is backed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A spokesperson denited it.
The Post-Standard reports that as of December 17, Jacob had received 25,000 Christmas cards. "The cards are a wonderful thing," his mother, Amie Hadcock was quoted as saying, "but we would rather everyone keep Jacob in their thoughts and prayers."
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Sources and further reading:
Internet Rumor About Ill Mexico Boy Snowballs into Avalanche of Christmas Cards
Post-Standard, 17 December 2009
False Rumor Starts Flood of Cards for NY Boy, 4
Associated Press, 17 December 2009
Last updated 12/17/09
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