To date, the community has sent 200 “birthday blessings” to Cooper Sasser, a nearly-2-year-old Andalusia boy diagnosed over the summer with leukemia, and his family and friends hope the well wishes keep coming until his Nov. 19 birthday.

People are asked to send a birthday card with a handwritten note to Sasser since, because of his illness, he is unable to have a birthday party with family and friends. A $1 donation is also asked to help the family with medical costs.

“Cooper has been richly blessed by so many people,” said Elaine Bulger, family friend and event organizer. “His sister, who is 6, is just as happy as Cooper when (the cards) arrive, and this family has been spiritually uplifted with the kind words spoken in these cards.

“I have seen smiles, laughter, tears and so much thankfulness that I could not put the details into words,” she said. “I can tell you that a package was hand delivered to me and it consisted of homemade cards from a group of second graders. This has created a lasting happy memory in spite of his illness. What a real blessing.”

Sasser is the son of Christy and Justin Sasser, and cards may be sent to: Cooper Sasser, P.O. Box 1043, Andalusia, AL 36420.