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Craig Shergold
An unauthorized chain letter encouraging people to send business cards to a seriously ill boy continues to generate thousands of pieces of mail each day, even though the boy is now healed and the family has requested an end to the mail.
News reports stated in 1989 that Craig Shergold, a 9-year-old English boy diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, wanted to be recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records for receiving the most greeting cards. His wish was fulfilled in 1990 after receiving 16 million cards.
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Shergold's tumor was successfully removed in March 1991, but the cards and
letters continue. Several versions of the letter exist, most of which wrongly claim
that Shergold remains terminally ill and now wants to receive the largest number
of business cards. The addressee is encouraged to gather business cards,
forward them to an incorrect address in Georgia, and then forward the chain letter
to 10 friends.
Many versions of the chain letter also claim that the Make-A-Wish Foundation is
involved. This is not true. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® is not, and has never been
associated with the letter. However, dozens of wish granting organizations throughout
the world (including Make-A-Wish) have been notified of the situation and are employing
large-scale efforts to help stop the letter.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America has set up a special 800 number to
explain the situation. Callers can listen to a pre-recorded message explaining the
situation by calling (800) 215-1333.
Amy's Letter
Recently, a chain letter has circulated the Internet regarding a 7-year-old girl named Amy with lung cancer and a brain tumor, who claims she is working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise 7 cents for each time the e-mail is forwarded.
This chain letter IS NOT associated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As a matter of policy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation does not conduct these types of wishes.
This chain letter has been e-mailed throughout the United States, prompting a number of calls and e-mails to various Make-A-Wish offices from people inquiring as to its validity. The time and expense required to respond to these inquiries is distracting our time and attention away from our mission: to grant the wishes of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has identified an originator of this message, and is in contact with that individuals Internet service provider to pursue the matter.
Please help the Make-A-Wish Foundation by forwarding this message to whomever sends you the bogus electronic chain letter. Find out about other unauthorized chain letters claiming to be associated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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