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Birthday cards abound for eight year old chemotherapy warrior

VITTORIA, ONTARIO—A young girl who is undergoing chemotherapy treatments for acute leukemia and her family are absolutely thrilled with the response they received from Manitoulin Island and many other areas in making her birthday extra special this year by sending her birthday cards on her eighth birthday. 

Morgan Harper, who has strong family connections to Manitoulin Island, celebrated her eighth birthday October 15 and her family had requested members of the public to send her birthday cards, as was reported in the October 9 edition of The Expositor. Her grandmother, Ruth Harper, sent out a notice last week stating, “Morgan received over 1,500 birthday greetings. Her brother Quinn even received a few cards too.”

“There are hundreds from friends, family and extraordinarily kind and thoughtful people all across Ontario,” wrote Ruth Harper. “Manitoulin, wow, 62 cards. Your support is incredible. Morgan’s cards arrived from every province in Canada. They came from 12 different states in the USA and 10 different countries.”

Morgan with an armload of birthday wishes coming from all across Canada.

“We have no words to express the depth of our gratitude. It is profound to experience this magnitude of love, support, and care from so many people,” the letter continued. “We read every single card. The thoughtfulness of so many people, their stories, photos, drawings, trinkets, activities, gifts and gift cards have touched us deeply.”

“So many people put so much thought, time and effort into making homemade cards. They are beautiful and we love them all. Thank you,” she wrote.

A number of the cards were very eclectic and creative. Bound to lift the recipient’s spirits.

“To the Vittoria postmaster, wow, you went over and beyond,” continued Ruth Harper. “Every time the kids went to retrieve their mail, you greeted them with such enthusiasm, you kept it exciting and fun. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you to the schools, students, clubs, legions, businesses, senior homes, churches, community services so many of you. It means so much to experience this love,” wrote Ruth Harper. She said, “We have not yet comprehended the magnitude of this kindness but one day we will look back and say wow-this really happened! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!”

Morgan has many Island family connections. Her parents are Andrew Harper and Stephanie Quinn, while her grandparents are Ruth Harper and Glenn and Linda Harper, and her great grandmothers are Stella Harper and Mona Lewis. Morgan also has a younger brother, Quinn. 

Article written by

Tom Sasvari
Tom Sasvarihttps://www.manitoulin.com
Tom Sasvari serves as the West Manitoulin news editor providing almost all of the editorial content of The Manitoulin West Recorder. Mr. Sasvari is a graduate of North Bay’s Canadore College School of Journalism and has been employed on Manitoulin Island, at the Manitoulin West Recorder, for more than a quarter-century. Mr. Sasvari is also an active community volunteer. His office is in Gore Bay.