UNDATED (WHDH) -- A brave 5-year-old boy is fighting cancer with the spirit of Christmas; he’s using the holiday as a method of healing, and this year, he's asking emergency crews to send Christmas cards.

One of the groups adding to the deck of cards is the Burlington Police Department.

Nathan Norman wished to receive Christmas cards from police and fire departments across the country.

Nathan has been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His family says Christmas has been a way to escape the pain.

Officers in Burlington heard about the wish, and wanted to help.

“One of our detectives heard of the wish and started a card around the department,” said Sgt. Gerard McDonough, Burlington Police Department. “Our honor guard got together and thought it would be a good idea to personally deliver the card to Nathan and his family.”

Word of Nathan’s wish quickly spread to other towns. Dozens of other local police departments are joining in. They plan to drive down to Virginia next week, providing a little hope for the holidays.

If you are interested in sending Nathan a card, click here!