SOUTH LYON, Mich. -- The family of a 5-year-old South Lyon boy who had cancer is thanking the community for their support.

After a long battle with stage IV neruorblastoma cancer, Noah Biorkman passed away Monday morning at 8:02 a.m. in his home.

The boy's family issued the following statement:

"Scott and I, along with our families, would like to thank everyone for the continued support over the past few years during Noah’s illness. As most of you know, Noah has received more than 1 million Christmas cards over the past few weeks. The outpouring of love and compassion has been remarkable and we are extremely grateful. We are now asking for everyone please respect our privacy during this very difficult time. The funeral services will be for family only. We are asking that instead of sending cards and flowers to Scott and me; please make a donation in Noah’s name to either of the organizations below. With your donation, Noah’s legacy will live on for many years to come, if not forever."

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

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

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.

Donations can be sent to:

Department of Pediatrics and Oncology
University of Michigan
1500 East Medical Center Drive
D4202MPB
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5718
Checks payable to: The University of Michigan -- Noah’s Pediatric Oncology Fund

Or

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
230 Huron View Blvd.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
Checks payable to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- Memo: Noah Biorkman