Basil Dallas was just like every other 17-year-old boy, except for the fact that he was homeless and had received a tough diagnosis.
While most kids his age were worried about school or dating, this brave young man had more pressing matters on his mind, like where he was going to live, or if he was going to survive the coming weeks and months.
Which is why his nurse, Cynthia Robinson, decided she had to do something as quickly as possible to remedy the situation, while there was still time.
Cynthia, who works at 21st Century Oncology in Las Vegas, had been helping Basil with his treatments when his mother opened up to about their living situation.
It turns out that the family, which also included Basil’s brother, was struggling financially and they didn’t have a place to call home. Cynthia, who is a mom herself, could feel their pain:
“I have one son, two daughters. I can’t imagine not having anywhere for my children to be.”
For someone who had undergone brain surgery and was receiving treatment, Basil needed a peaceful and relaxing environment to properly heal.
The staff at the center did everything they could, and kindly pooled together their resources to help out.
It was enough to pay for 2 weeks at an extended stay hotel, which meant that Basil didn’t have to travel very far to receive medical care. But, it still didn’t seem like it was enough, especially since the family would be back on the streets before long.
After exhausting all of her options, Cynthia decided to reach out to the Fox5 Surprise Squad for help.
They’re known for surprising people around town and making their day brighter, but since they receive hundreds of nominations every single week, the nurse wasn’t sure if she’d receive a response.
Little did she know that not only were they going to respond, but they were about to totally outdo themselves with tons of love and generosity!
When the Surprise Squad suddenly showed up at the center with twinkles in their eyes, Cynthia knew that everything was going to be more than just alright – it was going to be absolutely fantastic!
Even though she had no idea what the Surprise Squad had planned, she happily led the camera crew to the hotel where the Dallas family was staying.
The family was just days away from getting booted from their hotel, but mom Marcia was all smiles when she was told that they were going someplace new.
Where to? Well, that was the surprise, of course!
The family’s story inspired United Nissan owner Don Forman, who is one of the Surprise Squad’s regular sponsors, to make a generous donation. As the family stood on the sidewalk in front of a crowd of onlookers, he announced that they had been given a year’s worth of free rent on the condo they were standing in front of!
“We know you’ve fallen across some hard times. So, as Basil recovers for the next 12 months, we’d like to welcome you to your new home.”
It took a few moments for it all to sink in. Nurse Cynthia can be heard inhaling sharply and covering her mouth in astonishment, but Marcia’s expression barely changed.
But then, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes when she realized that, finally, everything was going to be alright.
Although Basil doesn’t always show his feelings, he says that he’ll do whatever it takes to make his mama proud.
“Now I know she’s stress-free. And it’s like the worst feeling in the world to know that your mom is struggling because she has us. And sometimes I wish, well, if she didn’t have us, she would be better off. And sometimes it just, it gets to me.”
Now that his family has a roof over their heads, Basil can really begin the healing he so desperately needs.
As for mom, she has some words of wisdom to pass along to all the other families out there who are struggling to make ends meet:
“Keep your head up high and keep your faith. Because with faith, all things are possible.”
Be sure to watch the video below to get the full story on this happy, heartwarming surprise. And maybe keep some tissues nearby, just in case you start to ugly cry!
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