Good friendships can get people through almost anything. Many times, a good friend will know what you need before you even ask for it, and they’ll want to offer a helping hand. Having a strong and supportive friendship can get you through almost anything. That’s why we like this story of two friends in an Arkansas High School. When one differently-abled young man needed help, his friend went above and beyond.
When Brandon and Tanner met, Brandon was using a manual wheelchair.
Using one of the wheelchairs that users power with their arm strength, Brandon got himself around their high school hallways. But it was taking a toll on him.
Those wheelchairs can be physically taxing, and Brandon was getting worn down. He told THV11:
“My arms would get really tired and I would have to stop and take rests.”
Tanner noticed how hard using this wheelchair was on his friend.
Sometimes when they were together, Brandon would ask Tanner to push his wheelchair. Tanner was happy to help, but then Brandon mentioned how much he would love to have an electric wheelchair. Tanner saw how difficult life was for Brandon because he did not have an electric wheelchair, and it seems like it was a no-brainer for him to step in and try to help. Tanner says to THV11:
“He’s just been a really good friend and I wanted to do him a favor…I just felt like I needed to do it and I wanted to do it.”
The high schooler became dedicated to getting his friend a wheelchair.
Tanner got a part-time job and saved up for his friend.
Tanner worked for two years. He got an after-school job at an auto repair shop and he worked there every afternoon. All of the money he saved went towards saving for a self-powered wheelchair. He knew that his friend might not be able to help himself, and that we all need to pitch in to help each other sometimes.
It took Tanner a while to find the perfect wheelchair for his friend.
Initially, Tanner had planned on giving Brandon all the money he had saved as a graduation present, but then his mom went hunting on Facebook Marketplace. There, she found a wheelchair that Tanner thought would be the perfect gift for his friend. He decided to give it to him for his birthday.
After buying the wheelchair, Tanner gave it to Brandon during the school day.
Brandon cried when he first got the wheelchair.
Brandon was so grateful to his friend for the amazing act of kindness. As soon as he got in his new wheelchair, he started beaming. Now, it is easier for him to get around, and far less exhausting.
For his part, Brandon knows this new wheelchair might be a bit of an adjustment, but he’s so excited to learn:
“It’s awesome, I may hit a few doors but it’s worth it!”
Watch the video below to see more on this very heartwarming story!
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