"James Birrell was a good kid. He was a cheerful voice on the phone and a diligent penpal who was a big fan of Space ships and railroad trains. When Neuroblastoma took James away, that word was new and ugly." -- Tom Hanks

James Birrell, diagnosed with cancer at the age of three, was a little boy with big dreams. During the eight years before cancer took his life, his family attempted to make each and every one of James dreams a reality. Syd Birrell, father of James, shared updates on his son's progress in his battle with cancer by email. The emails were forwarded around the world, and eventually became a book called, Ya Can't Let Cancer Ruin Your Day - The James Emails.

While James was still alive, the Birrell family desperately looked for anything to save the life of James, including the founding of The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids. Today, it is a leading institution for neuroblastoma research.

James declared Tom Hanks to be his favorite star. I agree with James about Hanks. Hanks is actively involved with the Birrell family and the foundation. About the book, Hanks said, "And yes, some days and nights were so painful that you would not wish them on anyone. But there are other times -- magical days and God-given nights of love, beauty, laughter, and awe -- that will make you wish that you were one of the Birrell family." Hanks is the Honorary Patron of the James Fund to fight neuroblastoma.