Man Goes Above and Beyond for 13-Year-Old with Special Needs, Buying Him a Basketball and Hoop

Published 09/16/2023, 6:59 PM EDT

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In a heartwarming turn of events, an act of generosity transformed the life of a young boy with autism. Jonathan Wade, a 13-year-old battled serious medical issues while navigating his life. This year, the exceptional boy discovered his passion for basketball. His connection with the game deepened after receiving a gift certificate from a charity supporting sick children. Without hesitation, Jonathan decided to use it to purchase a hoop for his home.

However, disappointment struck when he found his cherished basketball hoop was broken. What followed next bore witness to the remarkable effects of human empathy and kindness.

Basketball Enthusiast’s Hoop of Hope

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Jonathan’s enthusiasm for the sport knew no bounds. Whether it was shooting hoops with a small portable net, or playing at the park with a large public net, he heartily enjoyed the sport. This newfound interest not only brought joy to Jonathan but also touched the hearts of those around him. 

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Jonathan’s mother, Betty Wade, couldn’t contain her joy as her son’s fascination with basketball began to unfold. She smiled while describing how, wherever Jonathan went, his beloved basketball was sure to follow. Betty shared her amusement, remarking, “It impacts my heart hugely”. 

“Because it makes him feel like he’s an everyday kid”, she added gleefully. Betty also expressed how Jonathan dubbed his personal hoop as “the love of his life” after purchasing it. Hence, Jonathan and his family were heartbroken when they discovered the damaged hoop in their driveway. Distressed by the situation, Betty learned who was responsible for the accident and contacted that person’s supervisor.

“(Jonathan) was really disappointed”, Betty recollected. When she reached out, the supervisor responded swiftly to Betty’s call, sharing his heartfelt apologies. Soon, he even made things right in a heartwarming twist. 

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Supervisor’s Compassion Spreads Ripples of Kindness

When the supervisor finally got back to Betty, he apologized for the delay. Revealing a personal struggle he was encountering, he shared his wife’s diagnosis of breast cancer. While remembering the conversation, Betty expressed, “And I thought, ‘Oh my God!'”Despite his own troubles, the supervisor expressed a desire to bring some positivity into Jonathan’s life. Overwhelmed by his compassion, Betty decided to brighten his wife’s day with a bouquet of flowers.

In a surprising gesture, the anonymous supervisor presented Jonathan with a brand-new basketball with a stand-up hoop. The items exceeded their expectations, as the gifts were upgraded in comparison to the previous models. The generous act overwhelmed Betty, who was moved to tears. “Honestly, there are no words. He’s fighting something so dearly in his life, and he’s making such kind acts in our lives”, she stated. Jonathan, too, felt profoundly grateful for this unexpected act of kindness. He exclaimed with happiness, stating, “No one has ever done that for me. It feels nice.”

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Jonathan’s heartwarming story of a stranger having a significant impact on his life reminds people about the power of kindness. His mother prayed for the supervisor’s family and vowed to support them in any way possible. Betty hopes to motivate people to connect with their communities through acts of kindness. Sharing this inspiring narrative, she conveyed, “It’s just a really good thing to do.” 

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Written by:

Sanchari Bhaduri

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Sanchari Bhaduri is a fresh Sports Viral Moments writer at EssentiallySports. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from IGNOU, she embarked on her content creation career in 2015 with freelance projects. Her previous role involved her serving as a Content Manager for Reddit.
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay