An Idaho man lost his leg in a freak accident while building his dream family home, but he had long struggled with physical problems. He was shocked with a $50,000 present from a Secret Santa program after word spread about his practically life-long hardships. No impairment can keep a father from offering the finest that the world has to offer his family. Brad Crow had exactly this mindset as he began building on his dream family house, despite his many physical challenges as a child.
Brad, who has two adopted children with his wife Erica, was only fourteen years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. He had to undergo radiation and chemotherapy, as well as have one of his legs removed and rebuilt with cadaver bone. Brad worked hard as a construction worker for years after that, with his own family to raise, before deciding to build their dream home himself. While the main home was being built, they resided in a workshop on the site.
Brad, on the other hand, was involved in an accident that shattered his leg while working on the house one day. He underwent surgery to replace the fractured bone, but while recovering, he contracted a staph infection that nearly killed him. As a result, Brad had to have his leg amputated, followed by a hip replacement, and then another. For Brad, who just wanted to live his life regularly, it was one difficulty after another. “I almost died a few times.” “It was quite frightening,” he admitted.
Brad was unable to work throughout all of these issues, causing financial hardship for their family. Erica, his wife, drove a school bus full-time and made as many trips as she could to cover all of their expenditures. With their dream house construction on hold and multiple bills to pay each month, Erica’s sister thought the Crows might use some help and submitted them for the East Idaho News Secret Santa program.
When Erica noticed the East Idaho News crew at their door, she was already in tears. They were escorted inside, where the family’s tents, makeshift tables, and coaches could be seen by everybody. Brad and Erica couldn’t stop crying as they unwrapped their unexpected gifts. First, they opened a box that stated Brad would receive free health insurance for a year, which would assist the family in the event of any problems from his injury.
They then prepared to open their large gift, which was beautifully wrapped within a gift box. Erica and Brad were taken aback when they saw the amount written on the paper. It was $50,000 and would be used to build their home. Brad hugged and thanked the media that had come to see them. Erica sobbed as she glanced at the piece of paper that will make their lives better. Because of the money they earned, the family no longer needed to reside within their shop for long.
They were finally able to finish their dream home and live comfortably. “We’re just taking it one day at a time, and today is an awesome day,” Brad said to reporters. Erica couldn’t help but compliment her husband on his fortitude in the face of hardship. When she was feeling depressed, her husband, Brad, would pick her up and assure her that everything would be fine. They finally had a fresh start thanks to a wonderful Secret Santa. Erica couldn’t stop herself from thanking the journalists even after they had departed.
Their family was truly blessed, according to her, and the greatest blessing was that Brad was still with them. She stated: “Brad’s life has already been saved by the Lord several times, so he is still with us. We have all of our basic needs met, as well as a few minor desires.” She also stated that her heart used to break every time Brad apologized for causing so much trouble for their family, and that if he died, they’d be able to collect his life insurance and live better lives.\
Erica stated that she and her children would give up everything and live in a tent if it meant continuing to live with Brad. Despite everything they’ve been through, Erica’s words show how much she loves and values Brad. They remain optimistic that life will improve, and it has.