Mother whose husband and stepson have horrific disease left speechless after Secret Santa surprise

Erica has always been an ambitious, driven young lady. She went into nursing because she grew up watching a brother suffer with chronic health issues. She received her CNA license at 16, LPN two years ago and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences last year.

This past year has been especially difficult for Erica’s family. Her husband, Broc, was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease at age 25 – the same week they discovered they were expecting their second child. This is a rare, hereditary, terminal disease. Broc’s father passed away from this disease at age 42 after being diagnosed in his early 30s.

Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting this disease. It’s often described as a combination of having ALS, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease simultaneously. It’s considered the worst neurological disease and causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It’s often called the “Devil’s Disease.”

Broc’s six-year-old son, Gunnar, lives with his dad and Erica full time. He was diagnosed with Huntington’s over the summer and is in the middle stages. Juvenile Huntingtons is extremely rare and the younger symptoms begin, the more aggressive the disease is.

While Erica was expecting, Broc was no longer able to work or drive due to some of the neurological symptoms he was experiencing. He filed for disability and in March, when they could no longer afford to pay rent, they moved into her parents’ basement.

While Erica was recovering from a c-section with their 2-week old baby, the basement flooded from a neighborhood construction accident that mixed water with sewage. Their entire family was displaced and they stayed with Broc’s grandparents temporarily.

They recently moved into low-income housing but Erica is unable to work because she needs to care for her husband, son and two other children under two years old. They do not have a reliable car and will soon need a vehicle that is large enough for two wheelchairs.

Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves to pay Erica and her family a visit with some early Christmas gifts. Watch the video above to see the surprise!

[trentbell]

Donating anonymously is one of the most powerful acts of kindness one can show. Being generous when nobody else is looking is a sign of a great human being. I love these videos. Hope this family finds some ease in their life with these gifts.

[tonyrains]

You can tell she has been carrying the stress of the entire family on her shoulders. Very brave and deserving woman.

[BabsLongfellow]

I am speechless with tears. Never has Secret Santa been more needed and this brave family so deserving.

[TheLooterArmy]

I love that she just hugs reflexively with total abandon. The world needs this brand of impulsive love.

[josephz]

Grown man here and crying like a baby. Love this story so much.

[sandystoner]

Just when you think you have it SO bad.. there is ALWAYS someone that is waaaay worse off! Prayers sent for this family.

[fantasyfootballhq]

Nate Eaton is a national treasure, i know its not him funding these gits but there is no better person to be the messenger of good news than him, What a great kind amazing human being, Inspires me to be better and do good for other thousands of miles away

[loveforeignaccents]

Holy smokes! Cannot believe all of this has happened to this poor family. Glad Secret Santa is helping them, but they need God's help as well. Prayers to this family.

[main]

She’s a saint for staying true to him she’s a real one she deserved every bit of that

[southernmama]

How is this family doing? It’s been 2 years..just praying that something good happens for them!❤️❤️❤️

[sircasm]

"we're drowning"... That hits so hard. 😭

[larrylegend]

She didn’t ask for a Hug she just suddenly gave one to Nate from her Heart. ❤️

[MasterBetty]

This is simply heartbreaking. Life is cruel. People deserve so much more.

[ashleyd]

This family has never left my mind. I wonder how they are doing today. If anyone knows, please give me an update. Thank you. This broke my heart into pieces.😥

[ADVENTURESOFBZ]

No words....I will do my absolute best to not complain about ANYTHING in my life!!! It's hard to wrap your mind around so many obstacles for one family🥺🥺

[stevescott]

What this family has gone through and will go through is unimaginable, Secret Santa, you really pick the good ones.

[marinemom]

There was a young man who lived in my condo building who had Huntingtons Disease. He suffered a lot but was determined to get around and be independent. He eventually passed away and I miss seeing him riding his bike as fast as the wind until he rode straight into heaven. Thinking of you Thomas.

[colleenuchiyama]

Losing a parent at 41 is devastating. Losing a child is unimaginable. I’m covering this family in prayer. Thank God for secret Santa.

[eleanoraquitaine]

I can't stop crying. Bless this family with health, prosperity and joy.

[kanifuker]

This woman has the weight of the world on her shoulders yet she cares not only for her family but is a nurse too and still she smiles. Incredible lady.