12-year-old Arnulfo Guerra, Jr. recently wrote a letter to Santa that has caught the attention of many people around the world. A social worker working at Arnulfo’s junior high school came upon this letter and was immediately moved.
“Dear Santa,” Arnulfo began in his letter, “I believe in you and the miracles…” In the next few lines though, it becomes incredibly clear that this letter is nothing like his peers’.
“I don’t want toys for me,” Arnulfo continued, “I only want a healthy heart for my mom.”
Arnulfo’s mom was diagnosed with a heart defect and has been placed on the hospital’s waiting list. She’s been waiting for a year, and her doctors warned her the wait could potentially take up to five.
In his letter, Arnulfo described the situation at home, “I’m sad for her. She’s only 46 years and I’m only 12 … we need her for many years more.”
The school social worker immediately shared the letter with the local Fire Department, in hopes that someone, somewhere, could do something.
But even after Arnulfo’s letter reached the entire fire department, and now many other around the world, thanks to the news, no one has been able to offer anything more than condolences, support, and gifts for the family.
The local fire department offered Arnulfo a new bike, and the fire captain, Justin Wischnewsky, admitted, “It’s gut-wrenching. There are good kids out there. …There’s not a whole lot more we can do, but let’s try and make this the best Christmas ever for him.”
Other members of the fire department also chimed in, sharing similar sentiments.
“For him to completely be selfless and not ask for anything else other than his to be healthy for Christmas, it really puts us back,” Katya Garza added. “Maybe a Christmas miracle might happen.”
