Have you ever accidentally sent a text to the wrong number? If you have, you probably got a text back that said something like, "Sorry, you sent this to the wrong person," or "this isn't Melanie," or maybe you didn't get a text back at all.
A woman named Syd texted a photo of herself to a wrong number by accident, and what happened next ended up changing a little boy's life. Keep reading to find out what happened.
The Picture That Started It All
This is a picture of Syd. Well, it's Syd from the neck down.
Syd was trying on some dresses for an event and she wanted to make sure she was buying the right one.
The Text Back
Syd meant to send that picture to her friend, but she accidentally texted it to a random number instead.
This is the text that Syd got back after she sent the picture.
The Kids Think It's Great
Tony, the man who sent the text, also sent Syd a picture of five of his kids giving her a thumbs up.
Tony has six kids, but only five of them are in this picture. You'll find out why later on.
Taking It To Twitter
Syd was so enamored with the text that she sent a screenshot of it to her friend Mandi.
Mandi liked the text so much that she posted it on Twitter.
The Tweet Blew Up
Mandi's tweet started getting a lot of attention. It got so much attention that Tony ended up seeing it. Tony decided to respond to the tweet.
He hoped that the attention the tweet was getting could do some good for his family.
Prayers For Kaizler
Tony's son Kaizler, his sixth kid who wasn't in that picture, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Somebody who knows Tony's family tweeted a link to Kaizler's GoFundMe page hoping that people would donate to support Kaizler's treatment.
The Donations Came Pouring In
People were so inspired by this story that they started donating all at once. Tony was completely overwhelmed.
Who knew that one tweet could be so impactful? People were donating whatever money they could to help Kaizler.
The Money Raised
"Since this all started we've had over $3,000 donated," Tony explained. “That’s more than we had donated in total over the last 2 years. It’s been amazing and is a bigger blessing than anyone could ever know. We were backed up to a financial wall.
I’ve been working the entire time, but I was slowly but surely succumbing to the financial rigors of the situation.”
Over $60,000
Since the tweet was posted, Kaizler's GoFundMe page has received over $60,000 in donations. They have more than surpassed their fundraising goal.
Tony posted the good news on Twitter.
More Than Enough
Because Kaizler's GoFundMe page surpassed its goal, Tony and his wife decided to donate the extra money to another family in need.
They wanted to help other kids who were struggling with cancer.
A Thankful Reply
Tony was very thankful that his friend had tweeted the link to Kaizler's GoFundMe page in the first place.
He posted this photo of Kaizler giving his friend two thumbs up.
A TV Appearance
This Twitter exchange got so much attention that Tony, his whole family, and Syd were all invited to appear on the Pickler & Ben television show.
This story inspired the whole nation.
The End Of Chemo
Kaizler is doing really well in spite of his diagnosis. In December of 2018, Tony posted this message on his family's Facebook page.
In 2019, Kaizler finished his chemo treatments.
The Journey Isn't Over
In this photo, Kaizler is sick with the flu. It hit him harder than it would other kids because of his weakened immune system, but he's a tough kid.
He eventually got over the flu and got back to being his normal, energetic self.
Regular Updates
Tony still posts updates about Kaizler and other kids with cancer on his family's Facebook page.
This photo of all six of his kids together is a nice reminder of the light at the end of the tunnel.
The Good Moments
Tony and his family are keenly aware of how important it is to soak up the good moments while you have them.
He posted this photo of himself and his kids enjoying a fun night out.
Paying It Forward
This is Kaizler now. He has grown so much in such a short period of time, and he looks like he's enjoying life outside of a hospital.
Kaizler decided to pay it forward by donating his gorgeous hair.
Locks Of Love
Kaizler grew out his hair just so he could cut it and donate it.
He chose an organization that makes wigs for kids who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.
Loving His Life
Kaizler is now a happy kid who loves playing outside and cuddling with his dog.
His family is in a much better place financially now, all because of a text sent to the wrong number.
He's Come A Long Way
Kaizler still goes to the doctor for regular checkups and his cancer journey isn't completely over, but he has gotten through the worst of it.
He had so many people rooting for him, and we're all so glad that he's happy and healthy now.
Here Are Some Other Stories About Times Strangers Left A Lasting Impact
Ice cream is pretty much a cure-all for having a bad day.
It might not be the ice cream specifically, but the slowing down to enjoy something that makes a difference.
What A Beautiful Way To Celebrate
I love that the younger couple decided at that moment when there was a stranger there to take their picture was the right time to ask his girlfriend to marry him.
And now they will always remember it!
He Kept His Promise
Small gestures like that are the sorts of things that end up being strangely character-defining. He kept reading like he said he would.
Likely because he loves it, but also because it reminds him of kindness.
Being Acknowledged Is Good For The Soul
This person probably felt like all their hard work wasn't being seen, or at least most of us are hard on ourselves.
But something like this will give you the fuel to keep going.
Manners Go A Long Way
This is one of those things that you would never imagine happening because saying bless you after someone sneezes seem so natural.
But to some, it may not be and appreciate the gesture.
Who Doesn't Love A Good Laugh?
This could have gone one of two ways and thank goodness it went well.
I wonder if that person still has those little Origami shoes. I imagine that they probably do.
A Gift That Will Keep Giving
Not only will this person now have relief from their burn.
But also a cute little aloe plant to remind them that there is goodness in the world, even when it seems like there isn't.
That's Some Serious Holiday Spirit
It's nice when we find ourselves in the position to help another person, especially if we ourselves had been down at one point.
It's good to pay it forward and look out for one another.
What A Kind Thing To Do
He probably felt like he was in a real pickle before that lady came up.
It was such a brilliant idea she had to buy the store credit from him.
It Will Always Be The Little Things
Never underestimate how powerful a small gesture can be.
Even something as simple and seemingly meaningless as offering a tissue can make the world of difference to someone when they need it most.
Repent For Your Sins And Adopt A New Friend
This priest not only shelters stray dogs to give them a temporary home.
But he also brings them to church with him so they can win over his parishioners and be adopted by someone attending Sunday service.
He's Teaching More Than One Thing
While a professor doesn't count as a complete stranger, he's still not the person you would normally rely on for childcare.
One student came to class with their child because they didn't have anyone else to watch her, and the professor offered to hold on to her so the student could focus.
The Name Says It All
In Srinagar, India, someone created the "Wall of Kindness" to provide clothing for anyone who needs it.
You take what you need, or you can leave clothing for those less fortunate.
A Grandparent To The Public
Nicknamed as the "ICU Grandpa" of the Atlanta Children's Hospital, this gentleman comes into the hospital every day.
There, he cuddles with all of the newborns whose parents aren't able to make it there because of work or other reasons.
Everyone Deserves Proper Clothing
This tourist at an airport saw a man in need outside and knew he had a suitcase full of clothing with him.
Knowing he had more than he needed, he gave a belt and some of his clothing to a man who needed it more.
Sharing The Love
This gentleman treats the widowed women of local nursing homes or retirement communities to dinner, gifts, and a flower every Valentine's Day.
Just so they have someone to spend their day with.
No Student Left Behind
One of his students wasn't able to attend school because he was in treatment for cancer.
So the teacher brought the lessons to the student so that he wouldn't fall behind.
You're Always Family At Olive Garden
The store manager at this Olive Garden overheard that the family at the table had recently lost their house in a fire.
While he couldn't do anything about their home, he decided to treat them to a meal.
Making A New Friend
Just because deer live outside does not mean that they necessarily enjoy every element of nature.
This little boy saw a deer standing out in the rain and wanted to keep him dry for a little while.
Helping The Neighborhood
After a hurricane came through the neighborhood, a lot of houses around them were left without power.
This house, however, still had power, so they chose to share it with the rest of their neighbors so everyone could contact their loved ones.
