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madamvlb

(495 posts)
Thu Apr 9, 2015, 08:16 PM Apr 2015

The Moment A Homeless Man With Terminal Cancer Is Surprised With New Apartment

[link:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/03/prank-it-fwd-tom-mabe_n_6987776.html?cps=gravity_2082_-7280150456211932163|[link:https://m.

|A homeless man and his dog now have a place to live thanks to one generous prankster.

Tom Mabe, the host of the online series "Prank It Fwd" which donates money from video views to charity, was filming a prank when he met Ricky, a homeless man from Kentucky who had lived in his truck with his dog, Buddy. In early February, Ricky went to the hospital where he was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. Against the doctor's recommendations, the devoted owner discharged himself to be with his dog.

The prankster told HuffPost that he was moved by Ricky's loyalty to Buddy, and started a GoFundMe campaign to get an apartment for the pet owner. With the help of donations, along with Mabe's own money, the prankster recently surprised Ricky with a fully furnished apartment, and covered six months of rent, according to the fundraising page.

Mabe was originally filming a pay-it-forward-type prank on Beth Green, founder of rescue organization My Dog Eats First, which helps homeless people care for their pets, when he met Ricky. After the cancer patient left the hospital in February, Green and her organization, along with Mabe, helped place Ricky and Buddy in a pet-friendly hotel.

Mabe then decided to create the online campaign to get Ricky a more permanent place to stay, so the man could live out his last days in comfort with his best furry friend. In late February, Mabe brought Ricky to his new home, and though the dog lover was under the impression the pair was visiting the prankster's own residence, Mabe revealed to Ricky in an emotional moment that the pet owner was, in fact, the new resident of the apartment.

Mabe also rewarded Green's efforts by giving away a year's supply of dog food to My Dog Eats First, and said he'll match any donations that come through the GoFundMe campaign, which will go toward Ricky and Buddy's living expenses as well as help Green's organization.

" felt really good seeing Ricky and Buddy being able to stretch out in a bed instead of the front seat of an old truck," Mabe said
To make a donation to Ricky's GoFundMe campaign, click here.

https://m.
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The Moment A Homeless Man With Terminal Cancer Is Surprised With New Apartment (Original Post) madamvlb Apr 2015 OP
It's a shame things have to come to this mythology Apr 2015 #1
Wonderful cause. Thanks for posting it. /nt AtomicKitten Apr 2015 #2
touching Liberal_in_LA Apr 2015 #3
what a beautiful thing to do. but, if we lived in a civilized society, one that cared more niyad Apr 2015 #4
I wish Rosa Luxemburg Apr 2015 #8
Link to the gofundme??? Omaha Steve Apr 2015 #5
For you OS. LiberalAndProud Apr 2015 #6
I hope this man & his beloved pooch are comfortable in the time they have together. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #10
Link is below avebury Apr 2015 #7
Truly caring people selflessly doing good deeds. appleannie1 Apr 2015 #9
 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
1. It's a shame things have to come to this
Thu Apr 9, 2015, 08:40 PM
Apr 2015

but this is a very good deed. Hopefully it will help him for however long he has left.

niyad

(113,576 posts)
4. what a beautiful thing to do. but, if we lived in a civilized society, one that cared more
Thu Apr 9, 2015, 09:17 PM
Apr 2015

about its people than its war machine, we would be able to take care of all our people.

appalachiablue

(41,174 posts)
10. I hope this man & his beloved pooch are comfortable in the time they have together.
Fri Apr 10, 2015, 10:42 AM
Apr 2015

Kudos to the organizers helping with their living arrangements & all. Appreciate the link, I just donated.

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