Tom Hanks recently sent a special gift and an encouraging letter to an eight-year-old Australian boy named Corona De Vries, who had been bullied at school because his name resembled the coronavirus.
On April 23,Corona wrote to Tom Hanks after hearing about the actor’s battle with COVID-19. In response, Hanks wrote: “Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful! Thank you for being such a good friend. Friends make you feel better when things get tough. You are the only person I know named Corona, which means ‘crown’ in Latin, the halo around the sun. That’s a beautiful name!”
Inspired by the thoughtful gesture, Corona eagerly began writing back to Hanks on the typewriter. Each click of the keys felt special, as if he were connecting with the actor in a meaningful way. With each word, Corona poured out his thoughts—expressing not only his excitement about receiving the typewriter but also the challenges he had been facing at school. He mentioned how the teasing had hurt him, but that the gift from Hanks had given him strength. It was as if Hanks was reminding him that even in difficult times, kindness could make a difference.
The letter ended with a note of gratitude, “Thank you, Mr. Hanks, for showing me that I’m more than just my name.”
Days later, to his surprise, Corona received another letter back. Hanks had taken the time to reply, sharing that he admired Corona’s bravery. The actor encouraged him to keep writing, using his voice to express himself, and to never let the teasing get him down. “The world needs more people like you—strong, kind, and unafraid to be themselves,” Hanks wrote.
This exchange left a lasting impression on Corona. Not only had he made a new friend in a famous actor, but he also learned that a simple act of reaching out could lead to unexpected, heartwarming connections.
Though Tom Hanks only received the letter after returning to the U.S. in late March, he responded on April 10 with his thoughtful gesture. In his reply, Hanks also informed Corona that he and his wife had fully recovered from COVID-19.
The story quickly went viral on social media, drawing praise for the actor’s kindness. Fans appreciated the small but significant act. One person wrote on Hanks’ Instagram: “Tom Hanks, you are truly kind. Thank you for taking the time to respond to the boy’s letter. It must have made him so happy. Small gestures can change someone’s life.”
