A heartbreaking photo of a young girl from Maine sitting alone on her 18th birthday has gone viral on Facebook — all to make sure her 19th birthday next month is her best yet.
Facebook user Becky Lyn shared the photo of her cousin, Hailee, sitting by herself at a table on her birthday last July. Hailee, who has autism, was excited to spend her 18th bowling with her friends. However, Becky says that not a single person showed up to the party.
“My cousin is a beautiful young woman who will always have the mind of a child...so as you can imagine, she was heartbroken and beyond sad,” she said.
But Becky is looking to make it up to Hailee next month when she turns 19. She’s asking Facebook users from around the world to send her cousin a birthday card.
“Hal loves getting mail- this would be the best birthday gift she could ask for,” Rebecca said. “If there is anyone who deserves a great birthday, this is the girl.”
Since Rebecca posted her Facebook status on Tuesday, it’s been shared more than 83,000 times.
Cards to Hailee can be sent to:
Hallee Sorenson
34 Wellesley Way
Bangor, ME 04401
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
