Her husband needs a kidney transplant. Secret Santa just helped make it one step closer to a reality

#eastidahonews #secretsanta #christmas
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season.
On Feb. 27 of this year, Justin was just getting to work. The parking lot had melted the previous day and then frozen over leaving a thin sheet of black ice. He took two steps out of his Jeep and slipped and landed hard on his back. Some of his coworkers saw that he fell and noticed he didn’t get up.
Lilian Pyper is one of the most amazing, kindhearted humans you'll ever meet. She’s the type of person that will give everything she has and expect nothing in return, even when she's struggling. She doesn’t like to ask for help.
She is the principal of Inkom Elementary and had to move to Pocatello from Idaho Falls because she drives to Utah every Thursday through Sunday where her husband and daughter live.
Lily has been trying to get a principal job in Utah to be with her family. Her husband, Preston, has to live in Utah because he is in kidney failure and has to have his weekly doctor visits. He needs a transplant and they have to come up with the money to pay for the surgery and aftercare.
Lily also serves at Jaker’s to make enough cash for gas to see her family. She had to start serving just to try to help with medical debt but now it's gas money.
Secret Santa asked if we could pay a visit to Lily and surprise her with some early Christmas gifts. Check out the video in the player above.
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[@matthewseeber8529]

I hope her husband makes a full recovery ..

[@MrJoe-qh2vb]

When I hear reporters saying a family needs $ 5000 ,,, or whatever for a transplant ,,,,, seriously media ,,,, yr all very rich media simple write out a check to donate to the family !!!!!

[@thomashaugh8720]

What a genuine gal. You can tell she was overwhelmed with joy. I bet she’s celebrating with with her husband over this very thoughtful gift.

[@sandeewichkoski1574]

Well said! I agree, when she said this should be going to someone else I just lost it

[@janicegreenberg6680]

I agree too. Very moving

[@WorldCitizen-gz6fn]

You can see how badly she needed it. Seems like a really good person. God bless all.

[@houchi69]

"This should be going to someone else" Conclusive proof that she deserved every cent of it. What a wonderful woman.

[@wendycooper6073]

My son had a much needed kidney transplant in 2012 after being sick since birth. Even though he will need medication for the rest of his life he hasn’t had a hospitalization since then. It was truly a miracle ❤

[@ginny1068]

🙏 for continued health

[@hubert2038]

Amen. ❤🙏🙏

[@me-pz5yi]

❤️

[@ronm2023]

This is not about you. SMH!

[@desireebailey611]

That's amazing!! And wonderful to hear!!

[@ellendickey4769]

How wonderful! So happy for her!

[@Laughsville693]

agreed!

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

I delivery multiple kidneys, livers, spleen, hearths, eyes, lungs etc each week to hospitals I dont go looking for recognition! Gas cards! Maybe pray to that magic zombie a little hard or more seriously?

[@ediebaxter4653]

@@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307 God bless for delivering transplants to loved ones that need them. God bless you and your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁

[@nannernose3133]

Beautifully thoughtful nomination, plus the gift from Secret Santa that will satisfy insurance requirement so that her husband can be closer to getting the kidney he needs. This woman is so humble. I pray for a successful transplant and recovery.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@@nannernose3133 "I pray for a successful transplant" so you pray for the unfortunate death of another to save this life IRONIC MUCH? who are you praying too? does pray ever work?

[@LisaRobson]

Thank you Secret Santa, I am hoping that in a few months time we get an update saying her husband is doing really well.

[@Psalmtwentyseven]

That would be SO AWESOME!!!!❤

[@jenniferruth812]

@@Psalmtwentyseven I love your user name

[@Psalmtwentyseven]

@Jenniferruth812 Thank you SO SO much! Psalm 27 is my favorite Psalm!!!❤

[@dannschmit8604]

Secret Santa for POTUS!!!!!! Kind, caring, generous, selfless, loving, HUMANE, good hearted!!!!! 😊. What a wonderful person this Secret Santa is!!!

[@destinypowers1146]

Amen to that. We need someone like him for potus and states and city leaders all over .. Amazing man he is

[@RedRoadWoman7]

I totally agree! 🎅 for President!

[@teresam2261]

So much love for Secret Santa!

[@jeffcoley668]

He or She is truly a Angel on Earth.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

This man needs a parade.

[@hudsontd7778]

I have a theory that it might not be one person but a community of the wealthy giving to those who needed most in trying times. God Bless

[@jeffcoley668]

@@hudsontd7778 yes and God see their good Deeds.

[@marybarratt2649]

Absolutely. A true philanthropist.

[@jo8726t]

What a beautiful gift. Speddy recovery for her husband.

[@AKUSUXs]

In this world of me, me, me, along with everything else... AMAZING AND THANK YOU FOR THE HOPE IN HUMANITY!

[@Frazzzld]

I've noticed that a lot of the people who have received a Secret Santa gift always say "there is someone who needs this more than me". I love how they think of others before themselves. 💖💗💕

[@bud6956]

My father donated his kidney to his brother about 35 years ago!! Sadly my uncle passed away in 2016 due to stomach cancer... but beacause of my fathers kidney....he lived another great 30 years!! My father is also living a great healthy life still to this day!! Feel so happy for this women and her family!!

[@nicklager1666]

That is the type of gift that start the family on a new journey. I hope her family member accepts and dont reject the new kidney when its time. It will give her and her family some respite and calm over the hollidays.

[@user-qp3pt5oz2w]

What a humble lady. Prayers for her husband 🙏

[@debsmith4058]

Secret Santa not only are you changing lives in Idaho your love spreads world wide. Blessings to you ♥️

[@user-dh3xc9fs5b]

How true are your words and to Nate who is the perfect person to deliver Secret Santa’s gifts of love in this troubled world. May we all be willing to lend a helping hand (even in the smallest way) to others in need. Don’t always expect to receive a thank you because the truest good deed does not expect it.

[@nannernose3133]

​@@user-dh3xc9fs5bYou speak the truth❤️

[@greyman1k]

So true. Secret Santa touches people far and wide. What a great influence for good he/she is in this world.

[@-D-W]

Secret Santa......YOU RULE!!!

[@loveforeignaccents]

He does!

[@mariechosgaire6984]

Sending best wishes to her and her Husband.

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

What a lovely lady. Secret Santa, you have given her such relief. The first thing she said when she saw the check was this would pay for her husband's kidney. Oh, what a blessing. The gas and grocery cards will help so much too. Thank you, Secret Santa, for your generosity and thank you to Nate and helpers for your delivery of the gifts. I just love the love in these videos. ❤🎅❤

[@timnewman6529]

I watch all of these every year. This one hit home, I am awaiting a kidney transplant here in the UK. I always realise just how lucky we are over here with regards our NHS which covers all medical costs.

[@tjkhanks]

I hope all goes well for you. Sending best wishes from the US. ❤

[@linodinardo4798]

here in canada thinking the same thing... that 5K is a barrier to some folk...

[@pixiestyx1766]

I love her name..Lily Piper. My prayers for a total and speedy recovery. Safe travels.

[@Spikeswift]

I thought that too when Nate said her name

[@moewilson4605]

A coworker of mine received a kidney from a complete stranger. Someone donated one of their kidneys anonymously. I cannot think of a greater gift than that. I love watching these acts of kindness.

[@paultrouskie1825]

It's nice to know there is still some kindness out there.

[@geoffpoole483]

It's possible the donor was involved in a fatal accident and the next of kin decided that the organs should help others.

[@moewilson4605]

@@geoffpoole483 yes that does happen. But, my coworker was told it was a donation from a live donor. I did ask him if he ever wanted to find out who it was and thank them in person but he did a thank you through a letter via the hospital. The donor wished to remain anonymous. My coworker got his life back from constant dialysis. He did develop diabetes and has to take anti rejection drugs for the rest of his life but can work and function again. He is about 55 years old.

[@river8760]

There are a number of anonymous donors that do this, it’s an incredible gift to give someone. I hope your coworker is doing well.

[@river8760]

@@geoffpoole483the individual themselves would’ve had to sign that ahead of their death. Most people that do, have that on their driver’s license as organ donor. 😊

[@robinaelliot8588]

A truly ‘Good Samaritan’ is a generous person who gives anonymously. To this awesome Secret Santa …. I hope neither you, nor anyone you love ever depends on kindness of strangers. If you do, I hope all of us that comment on your generosity step right up to the plate. For now you have our love and respect ❤

[@kimcameron4461]

That was amazing, thank you so nice to see bought tears to my.eyes.

[@jeanross7430]

My daughter had a kidney transplant and I forever grateful for a life saving operation. I hope this man has a successful operation.

[@barbarahennessey1888]

This is the first secret Santa report that has literally brought me to tears. It has hit so close to home that it's overwhelming. 24 years ago I donated my kidney to a friend's 2-year-old daughter. I know and understand the need both financially and medically but this family is going through I pray that he gets a kidney and that he is healthy for his family Thank you Nate You have a huge fan in me from Pennsylvania.

[@cnatview]

@barbarahennessey.....Thank you so much for providing your friend's little girl with a gift of life and love. ❤

[@leed206]

Think this one needs a follow up. Would love to see it work.

[@debfox]

I pray they find a match, the surgery goes well and that her husband heals quickly and completely. She must feel like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Prayers that can all be together soon too! Sending so much love!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Oh, I was under the impression he already was getting it; didn't realize they still had to wait. Fingers crossed they get a match for him!

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@@loveforeignaccents so your praying for the unfortunate death of another! You are evil!

[@BLAB-it5un]

Amazing that people still think prayer is an appropriate response in 2023. But at least a kidney transplant can in theory come from a willing live donor. But consider the horror of praying that your god will kill someone else so that your loved one who needs a heart might live. Not exactly a moral code to live by...Humans will make the outcome possible by action not reliance on praying that a made up god will intervene.

[@loveforeignaccents]

How wonderful, and I hope the transplant goes well for him!! Nate is the best... well, a close tie with Secret Santa, of course! 😋

[@aldonco]

May God bless you Secret Santa. May the love you share return to you For you have the gift of wisdom knowing to be selfless and giving. Thanks, Nate and crew for being the good messengers.

[@justuseloveineverything7184]

Nate no one does this better than you ❤

[@ONNpankaj]

Secret Santa, EIN and all others valuable person precious work always and Love from Bharat (India) 🇮🇳

[@deborahaviles708]

I hope after this her husband finds a donor... What a sweet, kind, hard-working, loving, woman... Tysm secret Santa 🎅 🧑‍🎄 💓

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Secret Santa, Thank You For Helping This Family, and Others!

[@beckypetersen2680]

It was really sweet. I'm crying over here in Poland. Thanks secret Santa! And Nate and crew from East Idaho News. It wouldn't happen without you guys.

[@susanstancliff2937]

Thank you Secret Santa! You’re giving her husband the gift of life! Thank you Nate for doing your part! Praying her husband gets the right match for a kidney transplant!🙏❤️

[@lruss5050]

Praying for her husband! As a kidney donor, I know a lot about this experience! It means the world to me to have something like this happen!❤

[@justmejenny7986]

It's usually a life changing gift. This time it's a life saving gift. Wow. So,so happy for them. May everything else fall into place and her husband receive a successful transplant.

[@bt.c.1829]

What an amazing gift! 🎄🎁💖🕊

[@pamela5568]

Lilly is so sweet. And she was so grateful. I hope her husband gets his transplant and comes home to her and her daughter.

[@darcyfoster8208]

I truly hope her Husband is doing better 🙏

[@marierees8890]

Secret Santa just gave the gift of life to her husband. God Bless you. There is no greater gift. ♥️🌲

[@susanmcconnell6041]

THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA, AND ELF NATE!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@derekchristophernordbye7710]

Bless you, Secret Santa!!! Bless you, ALL, at East Idaho News!!!

[@DannyBkyn]

One of my favorite Christmastime traditions has become watching these wonderful, inspiring Secret Santa videos from East Idaho News.

[@jamesbaker-vu2sb]

You can just visibly see burdens being lifted from her exhausted little self. How wonderful it is to see the body of Christ working how it should and changing people's very lives.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

"How wonderful it is to see the body of Christ working how it should and changing people's very lives." Let me get this straight your imaginary thing arranges gas cards thru others but wont cure cancer etc? LOL

[@courtneydurham8385]

​@@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307I hope you heal from whatever is hurting you and find some peace in your life.

[@songbirds3712]

Amen!

[@FaithyandOtis..Massachusetts]

Amen

[@debraallen63]

​@@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307 God is not imaginary, He's Real. God made Cures for Cancer but people are too Stupid and only trust in Doctors and Allopatric Me-Die-sin (medicine) instead of seeking Natural Cures from Nature provided by God. Holistic Health has CURES where allopatric medicine has None. It only takes a bit of research but people are too Lazy to Read. They put their Trust in Man instead of the God who Created them. It only takes some research to find that God is True as well......have you done any?? Or are you just going by what man dishes out as God through Religions?? Religion is the Opiate of the masses and Satan IS THAT DRUG Dealer.

[@robinaelliot8588]

Awww…my heart ❤️ ❤

[@nickiph1]

My son is waiting for a kidney. They told us it could possibly be 7 years. God Bless Secret Santa and everyone at East Idaho news. Merry Christmas

[@thisorthat7626]

@nickiph1, Sending your family, and your son, blessings that the wait is far shorter. Merry Christmas and may 2024 be the year that heals.

[@smileyone1612]

Did you have to pay a huge premium ahead of time too? To get on 'the list'?

[@nickiph1]

@@smileyone1612 our premium is huge to start with.

[@fawnjenkins7266]

This is beautiful! God bless you, Mr and Mrs Pyper ❤

[@jeannemarcinek4575]

Prayers for this young lady and her family.

[@scrappingscootergirl]

What a sweet lady! So deserving of goodness!! Prayers to her husband and family!~

[@emrsdca]

Best wishes to her and her husband!

[@jrb.bostonma]

Oh man, It's officially cry with Nate and the crew season again! This is awesome, Secret Santa truly is a blessing to your community and the rest of the world could really learn something from him and his kindness.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I know. I tell myself I won't cry... And then I do.

[@robsin2810]

This makes me feel so good.👍🇦🇺🙏

[@oconnorjames]

The world needs more love. Spread the love ❤

[@jesusislord2457]

Praise God!!! 🙌 Thank you Secret Santa; for sharing your blessings! ✌️💝🙏

[@renewhn3821]

Absolutely beautiful!!! ❤🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@RonRay]

This is when humans are at their best.. when giving and receiving. ♥

[@boggleboggle100]

My very best wishes to them all!! I'm in the UK, I find these surprises so gratifying but so sad..here in the UK no one pays for a transplant!! No one pays for medical treatment as we have our wonderful NHS care!!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

And the shocker (boggles the mind, actually) is that people outside the U.S. mention this often here (and on similar videos), but Americans don't! We have become a nation of largely brainwashed, apathetic, uncaring, overly selfish, misinformed fools.

[@thisorthat7626]

@boggleboggle100. When our friends in the UK appreciate that they have the NHS, it makes their life better. We often forget how fortunate we are on a daily basis. I think that is a key part of Secret Santa's gifts. Blessings.

[@Spikeswift]

This is heartbreaking to me that people in the USA have to pay for a transplant. What do you do if you can’t pay? What a relief for this lady and her family . Thank you Secret Santa for coming to the aid of such a deserving lady x

[@EricaGamet]

Sadly, people often die because they can't afford the costs. It's very stupid and I hope to see that change in my lifetime.

[@tjkhanks]

​@@EricaGametagree 💯

[@michaelrudolph7003]

Whether you pay or you have the money stolen from someone else to pay, there is still a cost. Just foisting it upon someone else by force doesn't make it noble that you "don't have to pay". Who is responsible for meeting your needs to continue to live? You are and all those things cost money unless you can produce them with your own talents and labors. No one pays for the place you live in or your transportation or food, nor should anyone be forced to fund what it costs for anyone else to live. Sure they are free to VOLUNTARILY provide you their resources, but the resources of others don't legitimately belong to you and you have no right to them, full stop.

[@bookmagicroe9553]

@@michaelrudolph7003 : Wow. I hope you never need any help from anybody. You just may feel differently at that point.

[@Irish-Triplet]

​@michaelrudolph7003 you're a real pleasant fellow, aren't you? ❤

[@juliewick]

My first “Secret Santa” cry of the season!! Sooooo happy for this family! ❤❤❤

[@mamabear7243]

I cried. This is beautiful. Can you imagine if we all didn’t buy all of the unnecessary things that don’t matter and gave the money away to people like this? We would change the world. Thanks for inspiring me East Idaho News.

[@kevinhoock9742]

This News is the Bright Spot of the day , Every Day....

[@tcmomcoffey4028]

Thank you as always for sharing bless secret Santa n NATE n east idaho news 🙏🏿 ❤😊

[@Sas3603]

My faith in humanity has been restored. Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ginny1068]

Another beautiful gift from Secret Santa 🥹❤️ I will be Praying for the health, of both 🙏

[@markrobertdevison1227]

This is my favorite so far, this year. I'm glad she was given those gifts.

[@PatricesProjects]

What a loving gift. Her first thought when she saw the amount was her husband's kidney transplant .

[@angelalapiene-kurz2855]

Sending prayers that his transplant is successful. Stay positive. Thank you a million times over to secret santa! My mom and dad gave me her SUV before they moved away. It was truly a blessing and they know I'm beyond grateful! I've been on my own for 10yrs and raised 2 wonderful young adults.

[@famj4860]

It never ceases to amaze me that some of the recipients think that other people might need the gifts more than them. They're the kind of people we need more of today. Thank you, Secret Santa.

[@destinypowers1146]

praying for your husband full healing... praying for you and your family. bless you secret Santa

[@believingtoday]

To have that relief is astounding. Thank you Secret Santa. God bless this family and may her husband receive a kidney without worries of cost.

[@beezertwelvewashingbeard2519]

why does this type of program only exist in idaho....spread the love to the rest of the USA. how insane would it be if this happened in california.

[@beezertwelvewashingbeard2519]

how awful would it be to offer assistance to a family that makes way above the majority poverty levels....bring this to the Midwest where everyone starves to feed a population of elitists

[@smileyone1612]

Idaho, SS, shouldn't give any $ to blue states.

[@robertcatterall6514]

What a wonderful wonderful Lady…. Love to you and your Husband…. Hope he’s 100% very soon ❤️❤️❤️

[@kens.3729]

Cool thing is a Lot of the Recipients Feel there are Other People more Deserving because that’s the kind of people they are. They Definitely Deserve the Help. 👍🙏

[@bettycogswell9851]

God bless you S.S. She can surly use this. I pray her husband makes a full recovery.

[@AhJodie]

Oh my gosh, she was so honest in her expressions! I feel like I just instantly love her as a sister, friend, family member! Just lovely! Thank you Secret Santa! How lovely to get to see this moment!!!!

[@skywalkerranch]

First. Awesome Secret Santa. This is just incredible. What a fantastic gift to receive. God bless all involved.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@snowflakehunter Oh, let someone have fun, will ya?!?

[@countryyankee6389]

Prayers for her husband

[@jsmalls9575]

This one actually made me tear up. I always respect the recipients who say their gift should be for someone who needs it more. ❤

[@davedyson4730]

So very well deserved. What an absolute disgrace that you have to pay for the kidney. I’m appalled. My very best wishes to you and your Husband.

[@debraallen63]

That's American Me-Die-sin (medicine) for you!!!! It's all about money not help or health.

[@probablyaparent]

Santa honoring two people with ERD already this year really makes me feel seen. All the love to my kidney disease family, I'll see you all at dialysis.

[@judinemulerski315]

I love secret Santa. Love is where Santa’s heart is. Nothing but LOVE. Thank you Secret Santa

[@juliej5917]

Within weeks of her kidney transplant, my best friend from jr high lost both parents with six days of each other. This blessed transplant happened less than two months ago, and the new kidney is working at 100%. Thank you to the families that donate during the most challenging time. May Lily’s husband be matched quickly, and may his journey be smooth sailing. 🎉🎉🎉

[@keithadamson214]

I lost it when she said, are you sure you dont want to give that to someone else, she was pretty much overwhelmed with just the gift cards. such a humble spirit.

[@claudiastarr776]

More tears in my coffee. When I hear these stories and the people say,,,SOMEONE ELSE DESERVES THIS MORE THAN I DO,,I cry…

[@tpenquin.]

How sweet she is! I hope her husband can get his kidney transplant! We love you secret Santa, also much love for Nate and his elf’s! ❤

[@robtintelnot9107]

Best wishes to her and her family.

[@deronhanson5454]

To Secret Santa: Thank you so much for blessing these families in need, & for Nate & his crew, Thank you so much for posting these videos-does this old man's heart good to see that in today's inhumanity, there is still a spark of hope-from Texas

[@TR4zest]

When the sad day comes, and the secret Santa passes, I hope Nate can share with us the story of this wonderful man so that we can all celebrate his marvellous generosity. I now live far away, in the UK, and watching these secret Santa stories over the past few years from afar have made me a kinder and more generous person, helping where I can.

[@thisorthat7626]

@TR4zest, Wow! You have given Secret Santa a more valuable gift by following in his path. That is a true gift of the heart. Blessings to you and yours!

[@johnruta2558]

Thank you secret Santa for being generous with the resources God has blessed you with and may the Lord our God continue to bless you and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏 to continue to do what you do kind sir Amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Backstagemom3701]

😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤Secret Santa is my hero. Thank you for giving us all a way to see goodness and kindness everyday

[@critterscute3642]

She is obviously a terrific person and so very deserving of these gifts from Secret Santa. God bless her and prayers for a successful kidney transplant 🙏❤

[@bizerker1497]

Wow, is she not just the sweetest??? Wishing for a speedy recovery and long life for her husband.

[@MI7DJT]

Nate, God holds a special place for good people like you and your team. God bless you all. Much love from Ireland.

[@juliel8720]

This is the best gift ever!!!! Praying 🙏 for her and her husband !!!!

[@faverogibou6773]

This woman deserves the best , thank you Secret Santa for helping her and her family !!

[@car65los]

Bless Her Heart.

[@doygazgar]

Your secret Santa's are always so emotional 😢 you're the best, nate 💙

[@mrs.nessakee]

❤ Bless her & her Husband! Thank you Secret Santa. Prayers for her husband for a speedy recovery 🙏

[@terrylancey5451]

So happy for this deserving lady. Secret sant, you Nate, and helpers change peoples' lives. So wonderful to see.