As The Takeaway explores stories of gift giving and gift receiving on Christmas Day, a rare act of generosity changed Beth Gonzalez’s perspective on the notion of presents. Her three-year-old son Lucas was born with a rare genetic immune disorder, called Hyper IGM Syndrome, which required Lucas to undergo surgery last year. Even with health insurance, the family was not sure how they would manage paying for the operation. That’s when they turned to the social networking site Reddit, where they posted their request for donations. Within hours, donations came pouring in from around the world.
“The world helped him. They essentially saved his life, gave him a long life,” Gonzalez said. “I hope that helps him become someone who inherently wants to help others.”