SEATTLE -- James O'Neal has waited nearly 30 years for surgery to rebuild his face. His story has inspired people all over the world and their generosity is making surgery possible.

But he's decided he wants to delay that procedure and blames it on 'love'.

When people first see James O'Neal they're 'taken aback', startled by his disfigured face.

"When I first met James I was utterly shocked," said friend Katie Knopf.

Katie admits she was a little nervous going through James' check-out line at the Kirkland Safeway, but the more she talked to James the more struck than shocked she became.

"He's a man who has a major growth on his face and living life everyday just like normal," said Knopf.

James was born with a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis. His late mother had it. A collection of benign tumors have taken over the left side of his face.

"Everybody is born different, we all have disabilities, some you just can't see, " insisted O'Neal.

He's never let his appearance stop him from doing anything.

"You wanna stare? Stare," said O'Neal.

When given the option to work anywhere in the grocery store - James picked checker.

James inspires just about everyone he meets including friend and shopper Katie Knopf.

"We want to change his life," said Knopf.

Katie started to raise money so James could have surgery.

She called the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers for help. After our reports on James, the donations started pouring in.

All the publicity has earned him the nickname - Mr. Hollywood - especially among his coworkers.

He even had a 'Meet James Day' at the grocery store.

Surgeon Agrees To Waive Fee

Safeway kicked in the first $10,000 towards surgery. Between a fundraising website Knopf started, a bank account Safeway opened and the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers Fund, donations are now over $115,000.

"I think the thing that amazed me the most is people said, 'oh yeah we know James, we want to help cause he's such a great guy', to me that was emotional because it's like wow this many people care," said O'Neal.

Even University of Washington surgeon Dr. Peter Neligan wants to help.

"We're going to be buddies for awhile," said Neligan.

After meeting James, Dr. Neligan even agreed to waive his fee. He said he's doing it because James is such 'an inspiration and wonderful person'.

"It's going to be a huge improvement for him," said Neligan, "We're going to remove a lot of the bulk tissue, put the eyebrow back in its normal position, his ear is way down here, we're going to suspend that into a more normal position and lift the corner of his mouth."

"It makes me excited that it can happen, and it's going to happen," said O'Neal.

Blame Delay On Love

He's waited 28 years for the good news, but he told me he wants to wait a little longer. He could have the surgery now, but he's delaying the procedure until November.

"November! So I can watch the Seahawks on Sunday, instead of working every Sunday."

Blame it on love. Love for the Seattle Seahawks.

James' apartment is wall-to-wall Seahawks memorabilia -- it's more like a Seahawks shrine.

What began with a Steve Largent T-shirt on the ceiling has grown to all things Seahawks-related. Every inch is packed with Seahawks keepsakes: from shoestrings and stained glass to autographed helmets and footballs. Key chains, sleeping bags, wrapping papers, socks, jerseys and stuffed animals - they're all in his apartment.

"I'm a die-hard fan, always have been, no matter what," said James.

Seahawks Help Make Dream Come True

The moment I told the Seahawks about James they were inspired too and agreed to help me make a dream come true: A chance for James to stand on hallowed ground and touch the turf in Qwest Field.

"I feel like a special person," said O'Neal, from the stadium field.

James didn't walk onto the field, he ran on. His arms were held high in victory as he ran right through the Seahawks tunnel and onto the field. He couldn't help but kiss this 'sacred ground'.

"Maurice Morris, Matt Hasselbeck, a lot of great guys have been on this field and now I'm here, that's exciting, really exciting, yeah," marveled O'Neal shaking his head in disbelief.

What could be better?

"What we'd like to do is invite you to a practice at training camp," said Seahawks spokesperson Suzanne Lavender, "You are an inspiration to all of us and you truly are a 12th man."

"This is awesome, this is awesome. Thank you. You made my dream come true," said O'Neal.

Then James learned good things come in threes.

Without any warning, out of the Seahawks tunnel walked Kenmore's Rick Clements. He saw one of our reports on James and wanted to help him. We invited him to Qwest Field.

"Are you Mr. Hollywood?" asked Clements.
"I am," said O'Neal.
"Dude I seen you on the news, like 5 times," Clements said.

Instead of money, Clements donated his tickets to the Seahawks' first home game.

James said one word.

"Really?" asked a stunned O'Neal.

"Sit in my section, 101 for the 49ers game, you gotta guarantee a victory though," said Clements.

"28 to 7, Seahawks! And that will set the tone for the rest of their winning season," guaranteed O'Neal.

A Dream Come True

Rick had one more surprise fir James - a la - Mean-Joe-Green-style.

Remember the 1979 TV commercial for Coca-Cola? A kid offers the injured Steelers All-pro defensive tackle his bottle of Coke as he hobbles off the field. To the boy's surprise, in exchange Green tosses him his football jersey.

As Clements leaves the field, he yelled to James, "One more thing, Mr. Hollywood!" He tossed James a Seahawks jersey. He added 'Mr. Hollywood' to the back.

It made O'Neal giddy.

"Thank you, thank you, this is awesome, a dream come true."

James was so buoyed by his first 'real jersey' put it on in about a nanosecond and then took a final victory lap around Qwest Field, arms raised in victory.

Inspiration wins again.

James' surgery is set for November 6th, we'll be there. James will have one major surgery and a series of minor procedures.

Safeway says the money donated will cover all the out-of-pocket medical expenses for James' initial surgery and that his insurance will cover the rest.