Police Officers Throw Boy With Severe Autism His First Real Birthday Party

Logan Pearson usually has quiet birthdays.

The 12-year-old from North Andover, Mass., has severe autism and has difficulty in social situations, according to WBZ-TV.

"People have just felt like, 'Well, Logan can’t understand, so we aren’t going to do anything for [his birthday] like other kids,'" James Pearson, Logan's father, told the station.

This year, Logan's mother, Catherine Pearson, wanted to let her son know that his 12th birthday deserved an epic celebration. So, in January, Pearson asked her Facebook friends to send Logan birthday cards, Autism Live reported.

"This year, I want to stop feeling downright upset that my son is aging into a young man under a blanket of autism," she wrote on Facebook, according to the Eagle Tribune. "I want to CELEBRATE him and ENJOY his day.”

The post went viral, and soon, cards and gifts began pouring in -- some even from complete strangers.

"My boys loved doing this!!!" a commenter wrote on Autism Live's Facebook page. "They thought it was 'so cool' sending birthday cards to a boy that they've never met. They said 'I hope he likes it and it makes him happy!'"

When officers from the Cambridge Police Department heard of Pearson's birthday card request, they decided to go a step further and organized a surprise birthday party for Logan at a Fuddruckers in North Andover. Two dozen police officers from several departments attended, according to WCVB.

"This is something that I’ll remember forever. I think the other officers and hopefully the family will remember," Lt. Edward Guy told the station during the party. "We’ve made a friend for life."

"The fact that this many people that we’ve never met before would take the time, and the energy, and the money for postage, and send a kid they don’t know, in some cases across the world, a card for his birthday, to me, that’s inspiring," James Pearson told the Eagle Tribune. "It just amazes me that people will do that."

Logan's birthday is Monday, Feb. 24. To send him a belated birthday message, mail your card to:

Logan Pearson
311 Lowell St., Apt 3210
Andover, MA 01810