In a heartwarming display of kindness and generosity, a TikToker has raised over $320,000 (roughly Rs. 2.68 crores) for a 90-year-old Air Force veteran who is struggling to care for his wife who is battling dementia. The veteran, Donald, was filmed at a pawn shop in Manchester, New Hampshire in the US, where he was trying to sell his precious jewelry to cover his wife’s mounting medical bills.
The viral video shows Donald’s desperation and the sacrifices he is making to get his wife the care she needs. Moved by his story, TikTok user Janelle Marie decided to help the Air Force veteran, reports the New York Post.
They created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Donald and his wife to ease the financial burden they were facing. The campaign soon gained momentum, and thousands of people donated to support the couple. The GoFundMe page raised a staggering amount of $320,000.
Janelle Marie met Donald at the pawn shop, where she learned about the couple’s struggles. They had no children and no family to rely on, which made their situation even worse. Donald’s landlord had recently raised the rent, which further aggravated their financial troubles.
Moved by his story, Janelle Marie gave Donald an envelope containing $1,200 (around Rs 1 lakh) that she had raised. Donald was initially hesitant to take the money but was filled with gratitude when he finally did.
Seeing the envelope full of cash an emotional Donald said: “I could kiss you. Oh my God.”
Janelle Marie responded, saying, “I know you’re struggling. I know you’re trying to take care of your wife. I appreciate your (military) service.”
This outpouring of support wasn’t just limited to financial donations, as many were inspired by Donald’s love and devotion to his wife, and the kindness shown by Janelle Marie.
According to the New York Post, Donald kept the jewellery after receiving $1,200 from Janelle Marie and paid off his landlord’s debt of $80 (Rs 6,716).
Praising Janelle Marie for her act of kindness, the 90-year-old said, “You are an angel in disguise. You really are. I don’t know what to say, I really don’t know what to say.”
“It’s the best birthday gift anyone could ever get,” said Donald, who will turn 91 on Aug. 25.
The viral video not only raised funds but also drew attention to the struggles faced by many elderly couples who are forced to make difficult decisions to care for their loved ones.