Text of letter:

 

21 August 1986

Dear Carla Urban,

   

   Thank you for your letter, and pleae excuse my delay in responding. I would of course be happy to sign some books for your son-- it would be an honor to help out. He is fortunate to have you as a source of love and support. People have told me that lymphoma is a tough fight, and I don't see how it's possible to neglect-- or underestimate-- the spirit, and the will to prevail. I knew somebody, in fact, with a similar diagnosis, whose eventual survival depended on just that.

 

   Right now I'm in transit, so the best way to do this is by way of my agent. The address is

c/o Melanie Jackson Agency

1500 Broadway Suite 2805

New York, New York 10036

 

   With luck, we'll have the books back to you in time for Michael's birthday.

 

Very best wishes,

(signature)

Thomas Pynchon