Woman's Faith In Humanity Restored After Deluge Of Mail: Report

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A Stafford County woman battling cancer received thousands of pieces of mail from around the world after she issued a call for mail on Facebook to help her deal with her depression, according to the Free Lance-Star. Jean Lee, who has a rare form of cancer, ended up with so much mail from around the world, including at least one from every continent and all 50 states, that her friends came over to her house to help her open up the pieces.

The 61-year-old was first diagnosed in 2003 with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, a type of cancer that begins in the bones and soft tissues. In the summer of 2017, her doctor told her she probably had about 18 months to live after the cancer had spread to inoperable areas around her heart.

Last fall, Lee posted a request for cards on Facebook, asking people from around the world to tell her about their lives and hometowns, hoping she might live vicariously through them. WJLA did news segments about her request and her condition.

About 70 Stafford residents gathered Dec. 18 in Lee's front yard to sing Christmas carols and offer holiday cheer, according to the newspaper. They were joined by a fire truck, ambulance and appearance by Santa, all of which was organized by Ginger Walker, who leads the Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite Real Estate, and Joni Kanazawa, director of Ellie's Elves.

Lee received about 7,500 pieces of mail. The overwhelming response restored her faith in humanity, the Free Lance-Star reported.

"When I say this whole experience has given me hope, that's coming from a woman who was very jaded," she told the newspaper. "It's just amazing. I can't express it, it's just, wow."