A Father's Heartfelt Letter to His Daughter: A Legacy of Love

Tom Atwater from the U.S. is terminally ill with cancer, yet that doesn't stop him from battling for his little five-year-old daughter, Kelly, who has been diagnosed with the same disease. In a special fundraising page set up for her, Tom writes that he "vows to raise the needed $820,200 for her treatments – even if I'm no longer around, to make sure she receives the medical help she needs and gets through this."

A brain scan showed that Tom's tumor is growing daily and has reached an inoperable stage. "Fundraising is hard work, especially on days when I feel too ill to get out of bed," he says.

"But I truly cannot rest until I know my Kelly has the best chance at a long and fulfilling life. My luck, time, and options have run out, but I have had a wonderful life. So even if I fall and die tomorrow, it's okay as long as I know my Kelly will live and seize every moment of her life just as I did."

Tom and Kelly in happier times

"I Hope This Gives You Some Comfort When Cancer Leaves Your Body and You Get to Live a Long, Full, and Happy Life"

As part of his farewell journey, Tom wrote a highly emotional letter for Kelly with words she might not yet understand, but when she grows up, it will fill in many "missing" pieces of her life's puzzle:

"Dear Kelly,

I'm so sorry I won't get to see you grow up the way I wanted. Don't blame people or the world for that. I wish I had the right words to make you feel better, and I wish I didn't have cancer and you didn't have to see me in pain – as often happens now. I wish so many things were different, but they're not.

"Most fathers have decades to chat with their daughters across the kitchen table, their hands warmed by a mug of coffee. We don't have that time. I won't be able to take you to school and pick you up after your first day, console you when your heart aches, or cheer you on during less than perfect days.

"But for as long as your old dad is around – I want to give you some life advice, and I hope it gives you some comfort when cancer leaves your body and you get to live a long, full, and happy life. Everyone will tell you how important it is to study and work hard in school. I hope you always do your best, but I also succeeded in school and it's not what made my life better.

"As you grow, you'll go through things and see that life doesn't always give us what we want. Unfortunately, your heart might break one day. It hurts and feels like the 'end of the world' when it happens, but you'll get over it. One day you'll get married, and I want to tell you that for years I dreamed of your wedding day. I imagined how you'd fill with tears as I walked you to your husband, and it filled me with longing for something I'll never experience.

"I'm sorry I can't be there with you and do this, but remember I'll be proud and happy that you've found someone special who will love and care for you. Someone who becomes part of the family. Speaking of family, you and your mom might argue sometimes during your teenage years; you might be mad at her, but remember she adores you and wants the best for you. Give your mom a hug when she's feeling down, and help each other get through any tough times.

"Today, Mom makes tough decisions for you, more than any friend you will ever have – she's your best friend. So I ask that you look after her and take care of her as you grow up. Because there is nothing more important in this world than family and the values it teaches us."