Neighbourhood rallies to celebrate early Christmas for terminally ill US grandmother

A US woman who is suffering from terminal cancer is celebrating Christmas early this year in case she doesn’t make it until December.

North Carolina grandmother Michelle Fadel, 56, was told by doctors that chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer were not working and that nothing else could be done, TODAY reports.

After learning the news, Mrs Fadel’s husband, Dan, decided to start decorating their home for Christmas because she always “adored” the holiday.

"I have six grandkids, and I didn't want them to be cheated out of celebrating with them because of my limited time," Mrs Fadel said.

But when neighbours saw the Fadels decorating their home for Christmas, they decided to do the same to support her.

"I told neighbours Michelle wanted to be able to celebrate Christmas one more time and didn't think she was necessarily going to make it to December," Mr Fadel said.

"She went to talk to another neighbour, and when I came home from work and I pulled into the street, I saw all these lights and decorations from everyone, and it tore me up.

"I really did not expect it. It was a very humbling thing to see."

More than 10 families on the street decorated their homes and neighbours also brought over Christmas cookies and cards.

Groups of carollers also reportedly came to the house to sing Christmas songs for the family.

"We were just in awe. To see them support us like this is amazing," Ms Fadel said.