Craig Shergold’s Greeting Cards

Origin
When told they have a fatal condition, many patients want to start crossing items off their bucket list to best use the time they have left. Craig Shergold was diagnosed at 9 with terminal brain cancer. His wish – set a world record.

Friends and family pleaded for people to send Craig get-well cards to lift his spirits and top the current contender. Within two years, he had received over 33 million cards from average folks and celebrities alike. Craig later received experimental treatment which removed most of his tumor, allowing him to bask in health and glory.

Millions of cards kept pouring in, addressed to Craig even though he no longer needed their words of hope. The deluge of letters forced Craig to ask all chain-letter recipients to stop and Guinness World Records to discontinue the record.

Effects
Patients who receive them will tailor the message towards their interests and personality. Measurements taken show reading a card spikes the production of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, giving a brief moment of happiness and peace in the midst of their condition.

Placing nearby any piece of mail or packaging will cause the cards to multiply uncontrollably, leaving a room filled with unwanted pictures of stick figures, chicken noodle soup and sweater wearing kittens.