How An Autistic 18-Year-Old's Upcoming Birthday Is Being Celebrated Worldwide

Impact

Last year, Hallee Sorenson wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday in a big way. 

The celebration was set in a bowling alley in Maine, replete with a birthday cake, balloons and all of the assortments one would need to enjoy a birthday party. Sorenson, who has autism, was deeply upset when none of her friends or classmates showed up for the birthday festivities. 

Rebecca Guilford, Sorenson's cousin, wanted to ensure that Hallee's 19th birthday celebration, which falls on July 2, would be one to remember. "Hallee is funny, sweet, caring, smart, an athlete, a jigsaw puzzle champion, a wonderful student, and a best friend to all," Guilford wrote in a Facebook post, that featured an image of Sorenson eating her birthday cake alone in the bowling alley.

"But you can help make this years birthday incredible!! I would love to flood her mailbox with birthday cards, from all over," Guilford wrote of her cousin. "Hal loves getting mail- this would be the best birthday gift she could ask for."

The Facebook post went viral online, with over 200,000 shares. According to USA Today, the teenager has already received over 10,000 birthday cards. Sorenson has received birthday cards from England, Colorado, Michigan and a host of other places.

Want to send Sorenson an early birthday card? The address is 34 Wellesley Way, Bangor, ME 04401. 

Hallee's 19th Birthday Facebook