Back in 2011, Johnny Depp made a cancer survivor’s wish come true by meeting her through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This cancer warrior, Katie Vandrilla, has now written a children’s book called Thumper’s London Adventure, and Johnny has authored a touching foreword for it. Katie, who survived leukemia, flew to London to meet her idol, Johnny Depp, on the set of Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows. Now, more than ten years later, Johnny is still showing his support by writing this heartfelt foreword that will be published on July 20. He wrote this lovely note in Paris on June 17, just a few weeks after he won a legal battle against his ex-wife Amber Heard. The foreword starts with Johnny addressing Katie and her family and friends. He then extends his love, respect, and good wishes to all the dear children out there who need a little extra care and understanding. Johnny wants them to know that they are loved and that he and his team are thinking of them.
Back in 2011, Johnny Depp had the opportunity to meet the brave cancer survivor Katie Vandrilla. This happened when he fulfilled her ‘wish’ through the Make-A-Wish foundation while shooting for Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows.
The performer has recently written a touching introduction for a kids’ book authored by Vandrilla.
Throughout the course of his trial against former spouse Amber Heard, Johnny Depp was faced with inquiries regarding his philanthropic donations. While testifying, Depp expressed that he prefers to give anonymously, stating, “I don’t believe it’s necessary for my name to be associated with the money when I make a donation.”
Thumper’s London Adventure, a children’s book written by Vandrilla, is set to be released on July 20th. Vandrilla, who now works as a high school chemistry teacher and drama co-director in Berlin, Connecticut, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was just 16 years old. Meeting Johnny, who gave her an escape and something to look forward to during her cancer treatment, changed her life for the better. Vandrilla began writing children’s books about her stuffed bunny named Thumper during her treatment, and her latest book follows Thumper as he tries to reunite with his family in London. When her first book in the Thumper series was published in 2018, Vandrilla donated the royalties to Make-A-Wish to help other children with life-threatening illnesses. She also volunteers as a wish granter for the organization.
Vandrilla, residing in Berlin, Connecticut, has successfully defeated cancer and has now become a teacher of chemistry and co-director of drama at the high school level.
According to Vandrilla, writing is a fun hobby of hers. She first started crafting stories geared towards kids featuring her beloved stuffed animal, Thumper (who can be seen in the photo), while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Vandrilla shared with DailyMail.com that meeting Johnny was a moment that meant everything to her.
According to Vandrilla, Johnny Depp provided her with a source of relief and hope during a difficult time in her life. His philanthropic efforts are well-known, and he recently made a substantial donation of almost $800,000 USD ($1,173,548 AUD) to various charities through the sale of NFTs. Depp’s NFT community, Never Fear Truth, divided the contributions among the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the Footprint Coalition, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. During his defamation trial against Amber Heard, Depp’s charitable contributions were brought into question. He explained that he prefers to work behind the scenes without seeking recognition or attention, including turning premieres of his films into benefit events for organizations such as Great Ormond St Hospital and volunteering with Make-A-Wish. Thumper’s Hospital Adventure was released in 2018.
