The Internet has rescued an 80-year-old man. He had to sell firewood every day for $5 a bag to pay for his wife's medical bills. He started last year. His wife of over 30 years helped him. Sadly, she lost her battle against cancer in October. The hospital bill wiped out Mr Smith's life savings. A local woman posted on Facebook to get people to help him. Her post was shared over 9,000 times. People stopped their car to give Mr Smith some money.
Mr Smith's son set up an online appeal. He created a web page and donations came in from all over the world. The online campaign raised $20,000. The woman said she had no idea people would be so generous. She said: "Although it will not lessen the heartache of losing his wife, I am thankful it will at least take a little worry off of his plate and help him make ends meet." Mr Smith said he is "overwhelmed". He said he feels his wife is looking down on him.
