Good Samaritan helps family of boy battling cancer after video asking for food goes viral
MAYS LANDING, N.J. -- A 13-year-old boy from Mays Landing, New Jersey battling cancer posted a video online this week in an attempt to help feed his family.
"We have nothing to eat tonight, and I wanted to ask if anyone could help us, for tonight and tomorrow," said Dylan Kenny in the video.
Since then, the video has gone viral, prompting a Good Samaritan to step forward and assist Dylan and his family.
"I know that I'm a 13-year-old. It doesn't mean I can't help out my family," Dylan said.
Dylan's parents said for a third time he's battling Ewing Sarcoma - a type of tumor in the bones and tissue.
His mother said they rely on federal assistance while in between jobs to support their family of seven - all while making the drive from Mays Landing to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington for Dylan's treatment.
"Do you know how embarrassing it is to go and beg people online, can you help me because I don't have food today, I don't have a way to get my son to the hospital," said Jeanette Kenny.
It didn't take long for Dylan's plea to reach the ears of those who wanted to help, including Martino Cartier who founded Wigs and Wishes, a nonprofit that helps those battling cancer.
"When I saw the video, I was in shock," Cartier said.
After learning Dylan's circumstances were real, Cartier went to the store to help not knowing he would receive help of his own.
"And we were getting ready to pay, and random stranger, a guardian angel, handed the cashier $100 and said, 'Put this towards this bill,'" Cartier said.
Thanks to the generosity of this Good Samaritan and others, Dylan and his family received one month's worth of groceries.
Dylan said he didn't think his video would get this type of response, but said "it's awesome."
Wigs and Wishes said the business will provide the Kennys with food and friends every Sunday for the next couple of months.
For more information on Wigs and Wishes, visit www.WigsAndWishes.org.
