Dad asks for birthday cards for son battling disease

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. (FOX 29) - Cards are pouring in for an 8-year-old boy. He has a rare condition that has him in and out of the hospital. His dad started the campaign to put a smile on his son's face on his 9th birthday.

The kindness of strangers is making Kiernan Clark’s upcoming 9th birthday the most memorable celebration yet.

Kiernan, of Runnemede, New Jersey, is stuck inside of Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children with complications from Hirschsprung’s disease, which affects his intestinal tract. He’ll be here for at least a month. He is a true fighter. The little boy has had 43 surgeries throughout his life.

It’s heartbreaking for Kiernan’s parents.  

"He's been through a lot more than I've been through—more than probably any adults been through," his dad, Kevin Clark, said.

Kevin launched a campaign on Facebook to request birthday cards for Kiernan.

"I felt shocked. I went into tears of joy," Kiernan explained. "He’s like the best dad in the world."

The cards help Kiernan keep his mind off of his illness and instead focus on happy thoughts.

"I read all the stuff that complete strangers say about me," he said. "I love that everybody's doing this." 

Kiernan turns 9 on Friday, but you can still send him cards to help him through his hospital stay.

If you wish to send him a card, please send it to the following address: 

ATTN KIERNAN CLARK

NEMOURS A.I. DUPONT HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

WILMINGTON DE 19803

FLOOR 2 WEST ROOM 6