Shower Richard with Christmas Cheer
This Christmas season, the Abbott family of Somerset, Kentucky, is hoping to create a wave of holiday magic for their beloved patriarch, Richard.
Two years ago, Richard received news that no family ever wants to hear: he was diagnosed with plasma cell leukemia. Doctors gave him a grim prognosis, saying a year would be a miracle. Crystal, Richard’s wife, recalls, “They told him if he makes it a year it would be a miracle. So I prayed to God for a miracle. And I’ve got him for two more years.”
Doctors have now exhausted all treatment options, leaving Richard in a difficult situation. But his family has a plan to spread some extra holiday cheer during this challenging time. Richard’s 11 grandchildren came up with a heartwarming idea:
A Christmas card campaign.
“Let’s make, have people make Christmas cards and send them. Sign PaPaw up so his name would go in the big book,” Crystal said, relaying her grandchildren’s endearing plan.
Their goal is lofty: to break the Guinness World Record for the most Christmas cards received by an individual. It would take a staggering 350 million cards to achieve this feat. While that might seem like an impossible number, the familial kollowledge that Richard was known for his kindness and generosity is driving this Christmas campaign. For decades, Richard owned a local business, always extending trust and leniency to his customers. “If you see a man struggling, you’re supposed to help him out of the ditch,” Richard explains, highlighting his simple philosophy of life. “He trusted people to come back and pay later. He says most did and now his family says they hope many will return this small favor.”
12-year-old granddaughter Autumn chimed in, “This Christmas is going to mean a lot. Because of everything going on.”
Richard himself remains remarkably positive, looking up both literally and figuratively. “I even told the doctors it’s in God’s hands. He can do whatever he wants,” Richard shared.
Would you like to be a part of bringing some Christmas cheer to Richard?
How to Participate
If you’d like to send Richard a card this Christmas season, his address is:
Richard Abbott
431 Poplar Estates Road
Somerset, Kentucky 42503
Let’s blanket Richard in a wave of holiday love and make this a Christmas he’ll never forget.
What is Richard facing?
## Spreading Holiday Cheer for Richard
**Today we’re joined by Crystal Abbott, whose family has launched a heart-warming Christmas card campaign for her husband, Richard.**
Crystal, thank you for joining us.
**Crystal:** Thank you for having me.
**Can you tell us about Richard and what he’s facing?**
**Crystal:** Richard is a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called plasma cell leukemia. Doctors weren’t very hopeful, giving him a very limited time. But he’s a fighter, and we’ve been blessed with two more precious years with him.
**That’s incredible. I’m sure those extra years have been filled with so much love.**
**Crystal:** Definitely. We’ve cherished every moment. But now, doctors have said they’ve exhausted all treatment options. This Christmas is especially important, and my eleven grandchildren wanted to do something special to shower Richard with love and support.
**And that’s where this amazing Christmas card campaign comes in?
**Crystal:** Exactly! They came up with the idea to collect as many Christmas cards as possible to lift Richard’s spirits. Knowing how much love and well wishes are being sent his way will mean the world to him.
**(Turning to the camera): This is a beautiful gesture by the Abbott grandchildren. If you’d like to participate in this campaign and send a card to Richard, you can find more information on
**(Turning back to Crystal): What’s your hope for this Christmas?
**Crystal:** My hope is for Richard to feel the overwhelming love and support from everyone. This campaign isn’t just about the cards; it’s about reminding him that he’s not alone and that he’s deeply loved. This Christmas, we want to create a wave of holiday magic for Richard and show him how much he means to us all.
