Public safety employees respond to child cancer victim's Christmas wish

SAN LUIS, Ariz. — Nathan Norman doesn't ask for much.

The 5-year-old Virginia boy is battling potentially terminal brain cancer, and yet what he wants is to receive Christmas cards from police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel — the people he considers heroes.

Nathan was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and has undergone repeated surgeries and chemotherapy treatments.

As his request went viral on the Internet, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Virginia State Police responded, launching a campaign to solicit cards for the youngster from public safety agencies from around the country.

Among those who have responded are the San Luis Fire Department and Yuma-area Border Patrol agents.

San Luis firefighters recently posed for several photographs that were incorporated into a Christmas card that included the message “Happy Holidays Nathan from the San Luis Fire Department.”

The department also sent Nathan one of its firefighting helmets, equipped with a customized face shield donated by Paul Conway Shields. The helmet also bears Nathan's name.

Individuals agents in the Border Patrol's Yuma Sector also have sent cards and mementos to Nathan, said Spencer Tippets, the sector spokesman.

Anyone wishing to send cards to Nathan can do so. The address is:

Nathan Norman

81 Dunivan Drive

Rustburg, VA 24588.