It's not uncommon. I bought a Tom Macdonald album and paid extra for him to sign it and write a message. I told him my situation and requested he give me his own message.

He said "Sometimes the devil comes knocking at out door. When he does, let him in. Then beat his ass. I'm in your corner."

I needed to hear that, worth the extra bit of money I paid for it.

But I wanted to send her money. That's the whole reason I bought the book in the first place. To make a donation.