A viral moment has completely changed life for 88-year-old Army veteran Ed Bambas.
His son Michael says his dad will finally retire and enjoy life for the first time in decades. Ed will be surprised Friday at work with a huge donation now approaching $1.5 million.
Michael says his father is unaware of the true amount and is already overwhelmed by the kindness.
“I know what this is going to mean to him,” Michael told The Post.
“He’s finally going to enjoy life and not worry about the next dollar.”
Viral Story Turned Into A Global Movement
Ed’s story captured worldwide attention after Australian influencer Samuel Wiedenhofer met him at a Meijer store.
Ed has worked full-time as a cashier to survive after losing his pension and his wife. Wiedenhofer posted the encounter online Monday and launched a GoFundMe.
The fundraiser has now passed $1.443 million and continues to rise. Michael reacted with pure shock: “Holy crap!”
He said the internet response “brings out the best in people.”
Ed retired from General Motors in 1999 but lost almost everything when the company went bankrupt in 2012.
In the emotional video, he said medical bills for his wife destroyed their finances completely.
A Life Of Hard Work And Heartbreak
Ed was married more than 50 years before his wife Joan fell seriously ill.
He said losing health coverage and most of his life insurance crushed him financially. He sold his home and property just to survive.
When Joan died seven years ago, he returned to 40-hour work weeks. He has spent five years working long shifts at the Michigan supermarket.
“I’m fortunate God gave me a body strong enough to stand,” he told WXYZ.
The fundraiser has gained nearly 50,000 donations from over 36,000 supporters.
Even celebrities like Charlie Puth and Russell Dickerson donated.
Ed Has No Idea What’s Coming
Michael says his dad still doesn’t understand the size of the fundraiser.
“He has no clue what’s there,” he said. “It’s going to be total shock.”
A ceremony will take place Friday at his workplace with the donation handed over. A local veterans group will also honor Ed’s service in a special presentation.
Michael says this will remove a massive burden from their family.
“He’s gonna have a lot of relief in all this,” he said.
Ed’s decades of hard work are finally being repaid with love from around the world.
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