By Sky News US Team
The parents of an American being held captive by Islamic State (IS) militants have released new portions of a letter sent by their son from captivity.
The letter from Abdul-Rahman Kassig, formerly known as Peter, was received by Ed and Paula Kassig earlier this year.
In it, Mr Kassig, who was captured on 1 October 2013 while on a humanitarian mission in Syria, described "incredible" fear but attempted to reassure his parents that he is "coping as best I can".
He wrote: "It is still really hard to believe all of this is really happening... as I am sure you know by now, things have been getting pretty intense.
"We have been held together, us foreigners ... and now about half the people have gone home. ...
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Gallery: Profile: Abdul-Rahman, Peter, Kassig
A young Peter Kassig with his mother at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky
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Mr Kassig fishing with his father along the Ohio River in southern Indiana in 2011
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Mr Kassig is an Iraq War veteran
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Mr Kassig working as a medic in Syria
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Mr Kassig founded an organisation that provides aid to Syrians affected by the country's civil war
"I hope that this all has a happy ending but it may very well be coming down to the wire here, and if in fact that is the case then I figured it was time to say a few things that need saying before I have to go."
Mr Kassig goes on to thank his parents for "everything both of you have done for me".
"Secondly, I want you to know about things here and what I've been through straight from me so you don't have to wonder, guess, or imagine (often this is worse than the reality).
"All in all I am alright. Physically I am pretty underweight but I'm not starved, & I have no physical injuries, I'm a tough kid and still young so that helps.
"Mentally I am pretty sure this is the hardest thing a man can go through, the stress and fear are incredible but I am coping as best I can.
The 26-year-old Indiana native and Iraq War veteran wrote about playing chess and sharing "stories and dreams of home" with fellow captives.
"But all in all I am holding my own," he added. "I cried a lot in the first few months but a little less now. I worry a lot about you and mom and my friends.
"They tell us you have abandoned us and/or don't care but of course we know you are doing everything you can and more.
"Don't worry Dad, if I do go down, I won't go thinking anything but what I know to be true. That you and mom love me more than the moon & the stars."
An IS militant threatened to kill Mr Kassig at the end of a video posted online earlier this month that showed the killing of British aid convoy volunteer Alan Henning.
His parents said Mr Kassig changed his name to Abdul-Rahman after years of humanitarian work in the region "culminated in him embracing Islam".
Ed and Paula Kassig have issued video pleas for their son's safe return. They also said they have asked the US government to "change its actions" in the region.
The US has been leading daily airstrikes against IS targets in Iraq and Syria, where the extremist group has seized large swathes of territory.
Four IS hostages - two Americans and two Britons - have been killed since the airstrikes began on 8 August.
An estimated 15 to 20 hostages are still being held by IS, according to the AP news agency.
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