Adam Sandler, a New Hampshire native, helped brighten Christmas for a sister and brother who are struggling with cancer.The 40-year-old actor, whose movie credits include The Longest Yard, 50 First Dates and Mr. Deeds, sent a Sony Corp. PlayStation 3 loaded with games to 15-year-old Stephanie and 18-year-old Kevin Hudon of Manchester. Sandler also sent signed DVDs, jerseys and an autographed Longest Yard poster.

Stephanie has bone cancer that recently spread to her lungs. She is scheduled for surgery on January 8. Kevin was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in November and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Christine Monahan, a teacher at Manchester Memorial High School, said the package from Sandler arrived last week. Ms Monahan has been helping raise money for the family.

Memorial High senior Nathan Burditt camped out 34 hours last month to buy a PlayStation 3 and then, on Ms Monahan's suggestion, gave the video game console as a prize in a fundraising raffle.

Ms Monahan said: "I was completely sarcastic." But Mr. Burditt, 18, took her seriously.