After years of battling cancer, Helen Smith’s medical bills had gone beyond what she and her husband, Kenneth could afford.
Last year, the pair decided to start selling kindling wood to raise money to cover the costs of Helen’s doctors’ fees.
For $5 a bag, the pair parked on the corner of their street and sold as many bags as they could in an effort to ease their financial burden.
Spotting Kenneth on the corner this year, Jessica Pittman shared an image of the 80-year-old with a heartbreaking story.
"If y'all need any kindling wood please come buy from this precious 80-year-old elderly man,” she said in her Facebook post.
"His name is Kenneth. He parks on the corner of Carl Leggett and West Taylor Rd. He is there every day for hours. Selling for $5 a bag."
"Background story: Last year he was there selling as well but he had his sweet little wife Helen with him. He was selling to help pay for his wife's doctor visits and bills.
"This year he is alone. He said his wife Helen lost her battle to cancer a few weeks ago and he is still selling to cover pay for her doctor bills.
"My heart breaks every time I pass him. He waves at every single car that passes.
"Friday I was at the stop sign as a funeral procession was passing by. And he was standing alert with his straw hat over his heart. Precious man.
"I can't buy it all! We can all spare $5 to help this sweet man."
With over 15K reactions to Jessica’s post, Kenneth’s son decided to set up a GoFundMe account in an effort to help his father pay off his late-wife’s medical bills.
“My name is Leslie Smith. This fund is for my father Kenneth Smith,” reads the description.
“His wife lost her battle with cancer a few weeks ago and now his income has been cut in half.
“They spent their life savings during her cancer battle.”
Six days after setting his target of $60,000, Leslie has raised over $85,000 for his father.
