A grandfather from Syracuse, N.Y., is using the Internet site Craigslist for a cause close to his heart.

Joe Oppedisano is asking strangers from across the country to send messages of encouragement to his 8-year-old granddaughter Gia who is battling Leukemia.
    
Gia's grandfather wants to keep her smiling every day.

The post reads, "Wanted: From childhood cancer survivors and others. My 8 year old granddaughter has been diagnosed with leukemia. By way of this ad, I'm asking for your sweet words of encouragement I plan on forwarding her on a regular basis."

"I want her to survive this illness. I know she will," Oppedisano said. "I have confidence and faith as a grandfather and a cancer survivor myself. I know full well how prayers and stories can lead the way to hope and optism and eventual survival."

Use this email address to send Gia a message of encouragement: oppedij@yahoo.com.