To the Editor:

In a time when news of hurt and destruction at the hands of others floods the airwaves of our nation, our family would like to share our story of the kindheartedness of the people of North Carolina.

Following our five-year-old son's October 2001 diagnosis of childhood leukemia with its subsequent 38 months of chemotherapy, we quickly realized that Garrett's medical bills would total thousands of dollars. Because of the diligent fundraising efforts of our family and friends in Bladen and Robeson Counties and the overwhelming generosity of people throughout our state, the financial burden of our son's struggle with cancer has been lifted.

To each of you who made a monetary donation or who purchased a raffle ticket, yard sale item or baked good on or before the April 6 fundraiser held in Dublin in Garrett's honor, THANK YOU. To those who continue to lift our family to God in prayer, know that He hears each petition. To each church, family, or person who has sent cards and words of encouragement to us, you have profoundly touched our hearts.

You have blessed us "immeasurably more than all we (could) ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)," and we are eternally grateful for your support.

With sincere thankfulness,

Wayne and Kim Williamson

(Bladen County natives)

Willow Springs