Hundreds reach out to James O'Neal
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- James O'Neal is living proof that people care, that people all over the world care about this Woodinville man.
O'Neal, whose genetic disease left him severely deformed, has been swamped with heart-warming responses from strangers who want to help him build a new life.
For his entire life, people have stared at O'Neal. Some are shocked and others are startled by his appearance.
"This is who I am, take me for I am," said O'Neal while talking to KOMO News last week. "Everybody is born different."
But since he was featured in the story, people see him differently.
Last week's KOMO story depicted the life of O'Neal, who works as a checker at a Kirkland Safeway where he's won the hearts of those who were initially taken back by his appearance. Those shoppers had begun raising money to help O'Neal pay for a facial reconstructive surgery. (Read the entire story here.)
Minutes after KOMO reported the story, donations started pouring in.
"He can't believe it at all," said customer and shopper-turned-fundraiser Katie Knopf. "Someone saw him walking through town with his head up and with such purpose and he was just proud to be there."
O'Neal compares himself to the Elephant Man. He was born with neurofibromatosis. Surgery may permanently remove the tumors on his face and head. O'Neal said he's always wanted the surgery, but didn't think it was possible.
But with donations pouring in, surgery just might be in O'Neal's future. Many attached heart-felt notes to their donations, recognizing O'Neal for "not hiding" and being "an inspiration."
They put their money where their mouth is. The KOMO's Problem Solvers Fund has raised more than $20,000 in less than a week, and shopper Katie Knopf's Web site has pulled in more than $35,000.
"We could sit at the computer and just watch the love, watch the love come through," said Knopf. "It has been absolutely amazing."
And the love comes in all sizes. Most of the donations are less than $20; even $2 donations are coming in.
"Those mean so much to us," said Knopf.
"It's just been the most humbling experience, I think the most important thing is that everybody can make a difference, I think that's been a great lesson here too," said shopper Marlene Gregson.
The giving spirit began with Safeway, which made the first donation of $10,000.
"His whole life he has had people stare at him and now people are staring at him for a whole different reason," said Knopf.
They're doing it for the right reason.
Contributions have come from all four corners of the U.S. and as far away as Australia, Denmark and Belgium.
In July, Safeway stores in four states will kick off a three-week Canister Campaign, collecting donations to help O'Neal.
O'Neal has medical insurance, but won't know until he meets with a surgeon later this month exactly how much insurance will cover.
KOMO will continue to follow O'Neal's progress with updated reports.
For more information about neurofibromatosis, visit the Children's Tumor Foundation and Neurofibromatosis, Inc.
O'Neal, whose genetic disease left him severely deformed, has been swamped with heart-warming responses from strangers who want to help him build a new life.
For his entire life, people have stared at O'Neal. Some are shocked and others are startled by his appearance.
"This is who I am, take me for I am," said O'Neal while talking to KOMO News last week. "Everybody is born different."
But since he was featured in the story, people see him differently.
Last week's KOMO story depicted the life of O'Neal, who works as a checker at a Kirkland Safeway where he's won the hearts of those who were initially taken back by his appearance. Those shoppers had begun raising money to help O'Neal pay for a facial reconstructive surgery. (Read the entire story here.)
Minutes after KOMO reported the story, donations started pouring in.
"He can't believe it at all," said customer and shopper-turned-fundraiser Katie Knopf. "Someone saw him walking through town with his head up and with such purpose and he was just proud to be there."
O'Neal compares himself to the Elephant Man. He was born with neurofibromatosis. Surgery may permanently remove the tumors on his face and head. O'Neal said he's always wanted the surgery, but didn't think it was possible.
But with donations pouring in, surgery just might be in O'Neal's future. Many attached heart-felt notes to their donations, recognizing O'Neal for "not hiding" and being "an inspiration."
They put their money where their mouth is. The KOMO's Problem Solvers Fund has raised more than $20,000 in less than a week, and shopper Katie Knopf's Web site has pulled in more than $35,000.
"We could sit at the computer and just watch the love, watch the love come through," said Knopf. "It has been absolutely amazing."
And the love comes in all sizes. Most of the donations are less than $20; even $2 donations are coming in.
"Those mean so much to us," said Knopf.
"It's just been the most humbling experience, I think the most important thing is that everybody can make a difference, I think that's been a great lesson here too," said shopper Marlene Gregson.
The giving spirit began with Safeway, which made the first donation of $10,000.
"His whole life he has had people stare at him and now people are staring at him for a whole different reason," said Knopf.
They're doing it for the right reason.
Contributions have come from all four corners of the U.S. and as far away as Australia, Denmark and Belgium.
In July, Safeway stores in four states will kick off a three-week Canister Campaign, collecting donations to help O'Neal.
O'Neal has medical insurance, but won't know until he meets with a surgeon later this month exactly how much insurance will cover.
KOMO will continue to follow O'Neal's progress with updated reports.
For more information about neurofibromatosis, visit the Children's Tumor Foundation and Neurofibromatosis, Inc.