A news anchor made a dying man’s dream come true in a story that has captured the web’s heart — and now weeks later, his family can’t thank fans enough.
On Friday, Jana Shortal of KARE 11 news in Minneapolis opened up about meeting with a sick fan prior to his death:
“Several weeks go, I got a message on Instagram from a gentleman named Fred. He’s a dad here in town raising his boys with his husband, who is in kind of a tough spot. He had gotten very sick after a routine heart procedure. It got so bad that while he was in and out of consciousness at the hospital, he put out a wish that he had in that Instagram message to me. He said he wanted to meet me. He wrote to me, ‘Is it weird for a 50-year-old man to send out his make-a-wish request?’”
Jana assured Fred that it was NOT weird, and a couple days later, she went to visit him at the hospital. She said the hung out for hours and that Fred made her “laugh” and that he was “pure joy.” She said:
“The only thing my non-medical mind could understand why his heart was acting up? Must have been that it was too big.”
She said they two later said bye and exchanged happy pride salutes before Jana went on her way. Then a few weeks after that, tragedy struck… The news anchor checked her phone and learned that Fred had sadly passed away. Jana said the situation taught her that “life and death don’t make sense, but goodness and kindness do.” Watch her full report (below):
@kare11news Several weeks ago Jana got a message on Instagram from a guy named Fred.
So heartfelt.
On Monday, an update came in. Days after first sharing the video about Fred, it has been seen, liked, shared, and commented on over four MILLION times on TikTok! And the kind words are absolutely FLOODING Fred’s loved ones’ inboxes! Jana revealed:
“Fred’s husband and kids wanted me to tell you that your kindness has been the light in the dark for them right now. As you pour kind words, and support, and condolences into his husband’s inbox, and in his comments, they’re just filling him up. He told me to tell you, ‘I’m just so happy so many people got to see Fred’s beautiful smile, his light, and his kindness.’ I humbly thank you as they do. Count Fred as one of your angel friends now and forever.”
@kare11news One last thing: Fred’s family thanks you
Awww!
Our hearts are with Fred’s loved ones. May he rest in peace.
What are your reactions to this viral story? Let us know in the comments section!
[Images via KARE 11/YouTube]
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