Michelle Garn has faced more than her share of life’s challenges. After suffering a debilitating stroke at just 29 years old, she’s spent the years since raising her children from a wheelchair — navigating every obstacle with grit, love, and fierce determination.

But lately, her biggest obstacle wasn’t stairs or narrow doorways — it was her van.

Her old vehicle, with over 200,000 miles on it, was unreliable and on its last legs. It was her only way to get to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, or anywhere with her kids. Every strange sound from the engine was a reminder that one day, it might just stop running. And that day felt dangerously close.

Her 17-year-old son Brendan couldn’t stand to see his mom struggle. So when he heard about an essay contest with a grand prize of a brand new wheelchair-accessible van, he poured his heart into his submission.

“My mom is not only my hero,” he wrote, “she’s an inspiration to me and the strongest woman I know.”

But Brendan didn’t win.

The prize went to another family — and while they were happy for the winners, the Garn family couldn’t hide their heartbreak. It felt like one more door had closed.

But then something extraordinary happened.

A retired businessman named Tom Kolassa read about their story in the local newspaper. He didn’t know Michelle or Brendan. He had never met them. But something about their situation touched his heart.

He saw a hardworking mom doing everything she could for her kids. And he realized… he could help.

Without fanfare or hesitation, Tom stepped in and spent $45,000 of his own money to buy Michelle a brand new, fully wheelchair-accessible van. A complete stranger — doing something that would change her life forever.

When Tom handed her the keys, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Michelle was overwhelmed with emotion. Still speechless to this day, she says she’ll never forget the kindness shown to her in that moment.

“I see the hard work she’s doing in trying to support two children,” Tom said simply. “If I can help somebody like that, that’s important — in my life and hers.”

In a world where kindness can feel rare, Tom’s gesture reminds us that compassion still thrives. That one act can change everything.

Thumbs UP to Tom for his incredible generosity. You are what’s right with the world.

Thank you, Tom. 💙