Man severely injured falling on ice had no idea Secret Santa had such a life-changing gift for him

#eastidahonews #secretsanta #surprise

A local Secret Santa is giving $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season and the East Idaho News elves are helping out.

Every day, from now until the end of the year, we’ll be posting a Secret Santa surprise and today surprising a young man named Bodey.

In January 2023, during his lunch break, Bodey slipped on some ice getting into his vehicle, causing severe pain from mid-back down his body. He has spent every day trying to find the cause of the pain.

Unable to sit or stand and constantly feeling physically drained, he was unable to go back to work. His wife got a part-time job while raising their two children.

Bodey has worked harder than ever to find a solution as he has visited doctor after doctor with no results. He began selling many of his possessions to keep a roof over his family's head.

In January of this year, one of Bodey's specialists began a series of injections in his back that appeared to be promising. He began working part-time and slowly worked his way back to full-time by April. He was doing well but in September, his body began to spiral again. His arm began to feel numb, the pain in his back progressed to an unbearable point, and he had to once again take leave from work.

He’s doing everything he can to get better so he can get back to work and support his family.

Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves to visit Bodey with an early Christmas gift. Watch the video in the player above!

[Jello]

He didn’t have the words but his eyes said it all. What a relief that must be.

[jenford]

Ahhh! He truly was speechless, but his eyes and expression showed what a load was just taken off their family. Love Secret Santa so much 💞

[SharonOtt-uw]

WOW! This man was stunned. What a burden Secret Santa has lifted off this man's shoulders. Thank you, Secret Santa. ❤

[zuzuspetals]

We both were in second marriages. I had to quit work due to serious autoimmune disease medical issues and my husband was working two full time jobs. His mother was diagnosed with dementia and we were helping care for her, then my mom fell off a bed resulting in her being a quadriplegic. She lived across the country from us.

The best day in our lives was when we were able to pay off our mortgage allowing my husband to take early retirement from one of his jobs, freeing up money for flights to CA to help my parents, and giving us the peace of mind that whatever happened we would always have our home.

Thank you Secret Santa.

[Tunapie]

Now he doesn’t have to worry about the literal roof above their heads. I hope he can focus on his healing and I hope they find the source of his pain. Thank you Secret Santa!

[LisaFerguson-lwil]

Wow! The happiness in his eyes said everything. It will be such a relief for the couple. Another wonderful gift from Secret Santa.

[nicklager]

Its pure hell trying to figure out what can be wrong with your back, and this just shows us how quick a life can change by a quick slip. Its probably draining mentally for him as well so this gift will hopefully give him something else to think about. There is a man that is just realising things have just made a big impact on his future.

[linneaellis]

I come home from work to this. Thank you, East Idaho News, for doing this and to Secret Santa. You have touched many more lives than those you visit. May God bless you all.

[pearlvongpusanachai]

He looks like such a good man. I’m so touched to see his eyes light up. To whoever nominated this gentle soul, and to Secret Santa, THANK YOU SO MUCH! ❤

[Ashnod]

Not many words but his eyes did say it all.

[crystalinabacteria]

Poor man is in pain & you can tell he had the whole world on his shoulders. Thank you Secret Santa & Nate & Co❤❤❤❤

[maela]

Just beautiful❤Hope he gets better soon! Thank you, Secret Santa!

[AhJodie]

I thought he was going to burst out crying there for a minute. I am betting he goes inside and will try to come back down to earth. The Halloween door hanger was hilarious! Love to all of you and Secret Santa!

[traceejohnson]

You could just tell by the look on his face like 200lbs lifted off his back. Now he knows his family will have food, clothes and a roof over their heads. Thank you Santa❤

[JaneSmith]

Dear Lord, we ask you to heal Bodey's back completely in Jesus name! Thank you Lord and Thank you Secret Santa.

[richardthomas]

Alright, how many other people have watched this several times? When Bodey saw the check to his mortgage company he quickly closed the box and was like, WHAT ?? And then looking again and again as if to say, "is this real" and is this really happening to me! And his smiling eyes and voice crackling because he is on the verge of Awesome that Bodey and his family were blessed by Idahos secret Santa! YAY!!! Merry Christmas!

[georgiaamanatides]

I am so glad Secret Santa is giving needful gifts that change people's lives for the better.

[deborahaviles]

I hope this man feels better yesterday! May he find a great hospital team who can find a way to fix what is going on in his back. So glad to see a small weight lightened & lifted off of him this day. Tysm Nate, EIN &the amazing Secret Santa who is saving the people of East Idaho a little bit at a time. Much love to all & a happy holiday season!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[natalierobinson]

What a sweet and humble man. He's not bad to look at either😉😁
An awesome gift, for a good family man who's never given up! Keep up the hard work and it will pay off! Prayers to you and your family Bodey🙏🏻👍🏻

[mischa]

The time of the year when Secret Santa, East Idaho News and Nate’s team are making me emotional with joy. Thank you thank you for all that you do.