Update, November 20, 2017: Almost a month after his request for Christmas cards went viral, Jacob Thompson passed away from cancer on Sunday, November 19. The 9-year-old wanted to celebrate the holiday one last time, and tens of thousands of people helped make it happen. The boy from Saco, Maine, received literal pallets of mail, as well as visits from Santa Claus, the University of Maine hockey team, law enforcement members and perhaps most special of all, a group of penguins from the Mystic Aquarium.

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Jacob loved penguins more than anything, and went by the motto "live life like a penguin." His sweet request inspired people across the country, and lifted others too. During his last days, the Thompson family encouraged fans to spread the cheer by sending cards to military members instead. Now, Jacob's spirit lives on as his many pen pals remember the boy who loved Christmas — and penguins.

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Update, November 6, 2017: Jacob Thompson's story has quite literally inspired the nation. The 9-year-old Neuroblastoma patient, whose critical diagnosis is forcing him to celebrate Christmas for the last time this weekend, had a simple request: he wanted cards — and the response has been overwhelming.

Jacob's mother, Michelle Thompson Simard, began posting about the incredible love and support her son received from famous faces, friends and strangers alike. One thing's for sure: we're seeing a lot of penguins (his favorite!).

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Thompson Simard even said that Rob Lowe and the stars and crew of Code Black made a video wishing Jacob a "Merry Christmas."

Other big-name stars who have sent their support and encouraged people to do the same, include CNN anchor Jake Tapper, Anna Kendrick and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Jacob Thompson

C/O Maine Medical Center

22 Bramhall St

Portland, ME 04102 https://t.co/Xc4ROARruz — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 2, 2017

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I was born in this hospital. I'm sending a card your way Jacob you handsome devil. https://t.co/yt9EC9WjAL — Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) November 3, 2017

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The celebration isn't until this weekend, so there's still time to send Jacob all the love. Here are some of his favorite things according to a Facebook post his stepmother shared:

Favorite color: Orange

Favorite number: 32

Favorite video game: MineCraft

Favorite toy: Legos

Favorite movie series: Star Wars

Favorite animal: Still penguins!

Shutterfly is offering the chance for people to make a FREE card (plus shipping and handling) using the code "CARD4JACOB." This will last through November 12, and they can be created here.

Due to the overwhelming response, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital has announced that any gifts or toys sent over will be donated to a holiday pool for all patients upon Jacob's parents' request. The hospital also encourages people to upload video messages to the following post:

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Facebook users all over the world have commented with pictures and clips — from a penguin-filled aquarium in Texas to a group of students in Malaysia!

If you're interested in sending cards, address them to:

Jacob Thompson

C/O Maine Medical Center

22 Bramhall St.

Portland, ME 04102

Keep 'em coming!

Original, November 2, 2017: For most, Christmas comes the same time every year. But for 9-year-old Jacob Thompson, a cancer patient with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma, the festive day is arriving early — and it will be his last.

According to the GoFundMe page set up by Jacob's mother, the family admitted him to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital on October 11 with the understanding that he would pass away within a month.

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Jacob has been fighting Neuroblastoma, cancer that forms in nerve cells early on, since he was diagnosed at age 5. It has spread to his head and hip, and treatment was deemed unsuccessful.

Since Jacob is bed-ridden and has limited time left with his loved ones, they are bringing Christmas to him next weekend.

On the big day, his room will transform into a winter wonderland — snow, sparkling tree and all (even Santa). But Jacob has one request: cards from anyone "inspired to reach out" to help bring the Christmas cheer.

He has already started receiving cards. The first, from his friend, pictured a decked-out penguin (his favorite animal). According to Jacob's mother, Michelle Thompson Simard, "live like a penguin," is a motto of his. She tells GoodHousekeeping.com, that in Jacob's words, this means "be friendly, stand by each other, go the extra mile, jump into life and be cool."

"Jacob loves the holiday season," Thompson Simard said, "and we want him to know that Christmas wishes come true and that there are good people who care all around the world."

Though it's coming early under unfortunate circumstances, we're wishing this sweet boy a Christmas full of love, laughter and lots of penguins.

Courtesy of Michelle Thompson Simard

If you're interested in sending cards, address them to:

Jacob Thompson

C/O Maine Medical Center

22 Bramhall St.

Portland, ME 04102

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Samantha Brodsky Editorial Fellow Samantha is an editorial fellow for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

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