SOUTH LYON, Mich. -- The family of a 5-year-old South Lyon boy who was diagnosed with terminal cancer reached out to the community to help give him an early Christmas, and the response was overwhelming.

Thousands of cards and gifts from around the world have poured in to the family of Noah Biorkman, so much so that the family has had to rent storage to contain the packages.

Noah’s mother, Diana, told Local 4 she is grateful for all of the support but is now asking that the family be allowed to spend some time in private with Noah, as his health is declining.

Noah has been fighting cancer since he was 3 years old. He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February of 2007, went into remission six months later but relapsed in September of 2008.

Noah is currently in hospice care.

Two weeks ago, Local 4 was there as Noah opened some of the gifts with his family.

The 5-year-old said an angel figurine ornament was his favorite because it reminded him of where he'll soon be.

"In heaven, and I'm going to be an angel," Noah said.

His parents said they have come to grips that their son won't make it until Christmas Day in December.

"We made sure he got to have Christmas ... my family dropped everything, they're bringing the food, everybody's coming and we're all excited to spend Christmas with him this week," Diana Biorkman said. "His time is very short."

Santa along with the South Lyon Fire Department visited Noah.