Update on Joe Cuba, who wanted 100 birthday cards for his 100th birthday
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/2/28/1838476/-Texas-WWII-vet-asks-the-world-for-100-cards-for-his-100th-birthday-and-the-world-did-not-disappoint?detail=emaildkspA soon-to-be centenarian in the Lone Star State has been overwhelmed by the response to his social media plea for some recognition for his big birthday on Saturday. Joe Cuba, currently 99, had one big ask for his 100th birthday on Mar. 2: He wanted a birthday card for every year of life he’d lived so far.
Stephanie Veitenheimer, a sales manager at Brookdale Senior Living, appears to be the originator of the request, posting it to her personal social media accounts on Feb. 19 and receiving thousands of shares. Cuba’s birthday wish appears to have first been picked up by media on the evening of Feb. 20, when it was featured on local NBC affiliate KFDX3. The ask was then further supported by the Wichita Falls residential care facility on its branded social media the following morning.
What happened next might not seem surprising to those with extensive social media exposure or experience, but it certainly surprised the man now affectionately known as “GI Joe.”
He went viral. Like, REALLY viral. As of Wednesday, Brookdale’s executive director, Jarvis Polvado, reports that Cuba, born in Texas to Czech immigrants in 1919, has received over 16,000 cards and gifts.
I know a number of DU'ers sent cards. Lots more pics at link.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I missed that. Bet you sent one. 
I could've mailed one IF I'd had known, but it's like pulling hens' teeth for me to get anything mailed to anyone in the mail.
I remember when my dad had to spend a few weeks in rehab, after he broke his hip. Part of the facility was rehab, and the other part was long-term care.
This was 10 years ago, and it was my first experience with one of these facilities. As I was signing all the paperwork for my dad, I was asking a lot of questions.
The most shocking and heartbreaking thing that I learned was that families will dump off their 'no longer wanted' elderly family member, and they never come visit.
I was told that some of the people in there had not seen a visitor for seven to ten years. I cannot fathom that in my heart and in my soul.
I absolutely love your suggestion. I live in an over 55 community, and the people here are very active in helping out wherever they can. I am going to bring this up, and I bet you we will put your suggestion into action.
I sent him a card, and in it I wrote that I thought he would get a lot more than 100 cards. I never imagined he would get 16,000! And I bet they will be rolling in for some time to come.
Oh, this makes me so happy! 
