Fore Putnam, an 8-year-old boy from Burke County, North Carolina, sent an urgent letter to President Trump, Ivanka Trump and Santa Claus asking for help for his dad, who is in need of a new kidney.
Trae Putnam has a rare blood disease that has left him in complete renal failure. He has been on dialysis for almost three years, all the while waiting on a donor list.
"My dad has been sick for a long time," Fore wrote. "I want him to get better, so he can get a job again so we can play."
"Please help my dad for Christmas," he continues. "That's all I want for Christmas, and maybe one toy."
Trump read the note and responded this week with a letter of his own.
#PresidentTrump responds to Burke Co. boy pleading for help for father with kidney failure @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/jamqeuUIG5 pic.twitter.com/iL7BNPHXYe
— WSOCTV (@wsoctv) March 28, 2018
"It is clear that you care so much for him," Trump wrote. "I have shared your letter with my staff, and they are working to see what help they can provide."
Fore's grandmother, Sheila Sherrill, was touched by the sentiments from the White House.
"I was just in awe," she said. "As busy as presidents are, he took the time to write to an 8 year old that has such a heart for his dad."
Trae, who did not know what his son had been up to, was likewise pleasantly stunned by the gracious move.
"It really has given me hope," Trae Putnam told CBS News. "I've been on the kidney list for three years and you kind of feel helpless, just like I'm never going to get it. But all of the people that've responded to it on Facebook, and people calling. We've actually had a few people give us their information that are interested in maybe donating."
ABC 11 Eyewitness News has provided a contact name and phone number for anyone wishing to help Fore's father: Shelia Sherrill at (828) 291-7735.
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