Birthdays mark important milestones in a child’s life. However, for 4-year-old Delaney Krings of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, her next birthday will be one that her family remembers forever. After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in October 2022, Delaney’s family was told that she had only six to eight weeks to live. Her mother, Heather Krings, confirms, “This will be her final birthday.” Now, the Krings family is trying to make Delaney’s fifth birthday on December 16 as special as possible.
When the Krings family brought Delaney to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, they were informed that the cancer had already spread throughout her brain and that radiation would not be possible without causing more damage. “Day by day we lose a little bit more. She knows she has an ‘owie’ on her head (and) that she’s probably going to start feeling a little worse. But how do you tell a 4-year-old? It rips your heart out,” says Krings. With so little time left, the whole Krings family is determined to make every moment they have with their daughter count.
Upon hearing about Delaney’s diagnosis, family friend Sharon Tomlinson, led a card drive to gather birthday wishes for Delaney. This effort quickly spread outside of Wisconsin, collecting attention from other states and even around the world. Even NFL football player, JJ Watt, who is originally from Pewaukee, sent a letter to Delaney. “It’s a little overwhelming,” Krings admits. “She’s got so much love pouring in. There’s no way that we would be able to put her through opening thousands of cards per day. We pick out a handful and open them for her. Cards that play music are a favorite.”
The local community in Pewaukee is also helping out by organizing a special birthday celebration for December 16, which will include a parade of 150 vintage cars, visits from the police department and rescue squad, and characters from the Disney animated film Frozen. In addition, Delaney will also receive a custom birthday cake that she can share with her friends and family.
You can support Delaney’s family by donating to the Krings’ GoFundMe, and sending birthday cards for Delaney to: Delaney Kring, c/o Shorewest Realtors, 1296 Summit Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.
Delaney Krings, a 4-year-old from Wisconsin, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given weeks to live.
Her family is asking for help to give Delaney an amazing last birthday on December 16.
People from around the world are sending their love and wishing Delaney a happy 5th birthday.
Happy (early) 5th Birthday Delaney!
From Arizona back home to Pewaukee, I hope you have a fantastic birthday surrounded by family and friends!
🎂 https://t.co/iv7xs2x8lT pic.twitter.com/us7wusIhkG
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2022
All photos via Heather Krings.
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