'I hope I'm still here at Christmas.' Woman battling terminal cancer gets gifts from a Secret Santa

[@justelleslife507]

So, in 1990 her husband dies, she has 7 children to raise by herself, goes back to school, becomes a nurse to support her family, works for 25 years, and she's not complaining, this woman is an unsung hero, she'll go completely unknown by the world, God Bless You 😇

[@CottageWhimsey]

Amazing lady! She’s not unknown now!

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Oh, no. We tune in from all over the world. She's known in Australia now.

[@annelizebuitendach7523]

She is indeed an unsung hero. I feel so humbled watching this. God's richest blessings Mam. 💕

[@carlajones765]

God sees. ❤️❤️❤️

[@KristineDEA]

Best comment ever, couldn’t have said it better

[@lornamackenzie343]

I survived stage 4 Colon cancer and send prayers to this lovely lady that she comes through and sees another Christmas with her family. Thankyou Secret Santa. 🙏 💙

[@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974]

someone I love didn't make it... 😢

[@tomroyse1540]

So wonderful that you survived Stage 4 cancer! You are blessed but we are all so blessed in our lives and too few realize! Thanks Secret Santa for all the smiles and happy tears.

[@lornamackenzie343]

@@tomroyse1540 Thanks Tom! 💙

[@lornamackenzie343]

@@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974 Sorry to hear that...💔

[@isabellancali5388]

My father and his father both died of colon cancer. It’s so nice and hopeful to hear how you have survived it. Thank you for sharing your news of hope with us. I pray that you will continue to do well. Have a blessed holiday season. 🙏🏽

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

I find it truly amazing that the people, like this lady, who have been through and are going through so much always have a smile. It's awesome. Thank you Secret Santa, Nate, and team. Prayers and hope for this lady.

[@openminds8765]

This LADY is an inspiration - play the cards that are dealt to you to the best of your ability and a smile your face. A great example of living in the Fullness of Humanity and bringing positive energy into the world - Thanks for being You. 💫

[@Sweet05cts]

"I hope i'm still here at Christmas" - this hits home so hard. My mom passed from stage 4 pancreatic cancer in Oct 2021. Some of the things she said included wanting to be around for my birthday, being around for thanksgiving and christmas. Well, we made it to my birthday and then she passed before turkey day :( My one piece of advice to anyone out there reading this - if you come across friends/family that get cancer, DONT RUN AWAY! Don't hide, don't stop contact. Even if you THINK there's nothing you can do, you are wrong. People who are dying want nothing more than to see their friends and family as much as they can. EVEN IF it hurts you to see them in a state of decay (if you will) - please, look past that. People dying have to deal with the fear of death, as well as the loss of all the things they are going to miss out on. It's not easy. It's mind-breaking. Even coming over and just being there in the same room does more than you ever thought it would

[@tawanahawkins7855]

I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my Mom in 2006 to pancreatic cancer. I’m still adjusting!!!🙏🏽❤️🤗

[@TerriMaresCrochet]

I'm in New Mexico and I suffer from depression. Every year the Secret Santa videos come out and make me feel so good!! Thank you Secret Santa, Nate, and the East Idaho News team. I love you guys.

[@carolyn683]

I love watching these. Just warms the heart ❤️

[@rainsuess317]

Stay positive Terri.

[@healthymomma6420]

Prayers for healing from depression! @terri

[@pamelapenick6871]

I wish there was someone who would do this here in NM.

[@chipmunkshavenuts]

I've had to deal with some pretty bad depression before, and I know it sucks. I love these videos too. I found a series of videos here on youtube that have been helping me recently. I'm not sure if this would be as good for you as it has been for me, but thought I'd share. It's a channel called Therapy In A Nutshell, and I'm watching a series called How To Process Emotions with over 30 individual videos in it. Either way, I wish you well. You can beat this.

[@maddieadams75]

As a nurse myself, we are either the worst patients or the most proactive towards ourself. I pray her cancer responds to her chemo and she has more years to come ❤️🙏🤶🎅🌲 As heartbreaking and heartwarming these stories are, I’m grateful that Nate and his crew provide these videos as a reminder that compassion and a act of kindness goes a long way. Thank you Secret Santa.

[@texasgina]

Amen. I’m praying for her too.

[@janicefrittelli3683]

Amen to your comment Maddie Adam's. May a Christmas Miracle occur and I pray that for anybody who needs one in whatever way. Love and healing Blessings from Gauteng, South Africa. May Secret Santa, Nate and Team be super Blessed too.xx.

[@palaver40]

A hearty AMEN to those words...

[@maddieadams75]

@@janicefrittelli3683 thank you.

[@LittleOlMe75]

I thought the same thing….as a nurse i see people who inspire me with their courage. My pt just yesterday told me she was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell that is now in her back. On a PCA to control the pain but the woman had such a beautiful smile and her laugh was so contagious….beautiful people in this world that make us realize that we are so so blessed. I pray this sweet lady gets her miracle!!!

[@theresamchugh6191]

I moved back to southern California in 2015. But I still follow Nate Eaton and Eastern Idaho news.. I miss the realness of people's heart in Idaho... God bless you all

[@monnanugent8168]

What a sweet lady. Never stop fighting no matter what. Many, many folks have come thru with stage 4 and lived to tell about it. Never give up.

[@aronlelenora9572]

❤❤❤❤

[@markberman8958]

This is what our Country needs to remember what we're all about. Love, Compassion, Unity and understanding. We are the United States of America and if we all take Secret Santa's lesson to heart we'll all be a lot better off for it! Thanks Nate and the East Idaho News Team for doing this and of course Secret Santa! Warms my heart so much and gives me hope for our Nation!

[@cannavaras]

As a Brit who watches all of Secret Santas every year I agree 100% What hurts the most is when Secret Santa has to provide medical items to someone who needs it like today. I truely love the US and have been to 38 states but I wish you guys would solve the healthcare issue so people like the wonderful lady today wouldnnt have to worry about any medical needs.

[@C.Chandler_May]

Well said.

[@kellyford5903]

Amen!! 🇺🇸❣️🇺🇸

[@billwilson5341]

@@cannavaras: Government will never get their hands out of the medical industry and that is the problem.

[@kevinprzy4539]

@@cannavaras True stuff, but centralized health care just wont work in the states, the only places it works tends to be smaller countries with a more centralized population plus I highly doubt Americans will allow a 35-40% income tax every year just to cover health systems they might not even use some years, a lot of people see it as they're paying for someone else's healthcare (which they're technically right since it's through their taxes) and with centralized health care comes less competition in the market (which typically means less medical advancements in a shorter period of time) and nurses and doctors will get paid less on average and nurses are already severely underpaid over here in my opinion. We do have a form of somewhat free healthcare called Medicaid and Medicare (over 85 million Americans use it!) Medicaid is meant for low to medium income households and Medicare is for the elderly I believe.

[@tylerfox5942]

I'm several states away and I've been waiting for this for a whole year. It makes me tear up every time.

[@waituntil]

I am not even from the USA, but these videos are my favorite 💯

[@karenustach5655]

Nate exclaiming PuPPIES! Was the best start . What an incredible woman!

[@neilbanschbach1508]

I pray for this woman's healing, in Jesus's name. I love how Nate mentioned that 'miracles' do happen!! May she have many years to enjoy her gifts!!! As always, Nate, you are so good at this job!

[@Ivehadenuff]

I’m a fan from Massachusetts. I got my Secret Santa t shirt and signed group photo of the Secret Santa team yesterday. I will wear the shirt proudly and tell everyone who will listen about East Idaho’s Secret Santa. I love Nate’s kindness.

[@KrisK]

I got my shirt and card also.

[@sandy_sd10]

So did I told my teammates too watch I look forward to this so much!💗

[@Amanda-jl7jz]

My 9 yr old son and I moved to Idaho fleeing my husband at the time. We went back to AZ a year later to finalize my divorce and never had the chance to move back. My dream is to one day move back to Chubbuck Idaho . The people there are amazing.. God bless us all🙏💕🙏

[@RJSAMCRO]

I believe in my heart there is a special place in Heaven for Nurses. Being a patient from time to time in some extremely embarrassing situations, Nurses helped me feel calm, respected, cared for , and their No. 1 priority. Nurses are truly special people with hearts of pure love for those they care for. Thank You to all the Nurses out there, and God Bless You All

[@Pokyhawk]

My dear Nelia. You have all my love and prayers. I lost my mother twelve years ago two weeks before Thanksgiving after a 50 year battle with cancer. Anyone with that diagnosis is automatically added to my extended family. I will pass my suggestion to God, and hope others will join me, that you can add at least one more Merry Christmas to you and your family's memories. Have a great Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours to you keep safe. Rev. Bill Hawk

[@whiskeymonk4085]

My father miraculously beat stage 4 throat cancer using Marijuana butter. He's 10 years cancer free now. What have you got to lose? Ma'am, if you are reading this, I suggest trying it daily. Bless you, your family and all those puppies!

[@courtneycase2349]

Thank you for your suggestion! It is terminal because it has spread to her liver, lungs and lymphnodes. It has also attached to her pelvis. Thank you for your kind words! ❤️ We love her and will cherish every day we get with her.

[@dedwin8930]

@@courtneycase2349 So sad! Give her a hug from me! Dennis

[@qreeneyez916]

I remember being pregnant and watching every episode of secret Santa & im so happy it came back to my feed with new ones! These people are so deserving of these & it’s truly amazing hearing what they do for others. ♥️

[@lindamadison8177]

Prayers for this beautiful angel

[@djohnranch]

I change my mom's ostomy bag. I am so grateful she has one because it has simplified our routine. She also is a stage 4 survivor, 10 years plus. Good luck.

[@davidimhoff2118]

People who become nurses are the best people in the world. Ive had 2 organ transplants and have met a ton of wonderful people who brighten my days. @East Idaho News I think what I like most about this channel is meeting people from the community that get life changing news. Notes caring nature is so refreshing and genuine, it only makes the surprise even more special. It breaks my heart to know this woman has lost her husband and is raising 7 children and now fighting stage 4 cancer. My good friend has stomach surgery and luckily so far doesn't have to have the ostomy bag but we know she's dying and that's hard to swallow. I graduated high school with this girl and have known her since 4th grade. She helped carry my books when my heart was failing in my sophomore year. It's just devastating. I can completely understand how this woman feels to have to have this bag. It's embarrassing to deal with and I wish she didn't have to go through this. I'm glad she has a good support system because that makes a huge difference. I wish I could hug her.

[@sr80bassguy]

I stayed up for this. Always worth it.

[@jeanieking2017]

'she is now on my husband's and my daily prayer list. I SEE her being encouraged and living a long happy life. God bless you all.

[@heidim6885]

What a lovely lady, sending her healing prayers. I love that in the UK, these come out just as I get up. Perfect way to start the day!!

[@cwbys164us]

It's 2:43 am where im at in south Carolina. Good morning to you

[@sophiescarborough7219]

@Heidi M , I 💖 watching secret Santa first thing in the morning, too. 🙏to you

[@melstiller8561]

People like this very kind woman make our world so much better. May God bless her with better health and a Christmas filled with love and peace.

[@juliadeangelio1261]

Thank God for secret santa he does the best things for people in need whoever is Secrets interests may they bless him 10 times over

[@judithmcfarlane3228]

Such grace.

[@cherylmarshall6874]

God Bless you Nelia 🙏 May the Lord work a miracle in your life. You are a beautiful woman. I pray that you're Blessed with good health, the comfort of family and friends and peace. 💐 Thank you Secret Santa 🎅

[@ls-kk4pq]

I also send prayers to this lovely woman, and thank you dear Secret Santa.

[@candicegateley9238]

Father God, we ask that you be with this angel here on earth who has cared for so many others in their time of need! We ask Father that you guide her through this journey, that you heal her, give her strength in time of need. Father, we ask that you guide her medical team to do what is needed and Father, we ask you to give her many more Christmases with her sweet family and friends! From one survivor to another Merry Christmas from Oklahoma!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@FocusingOnChrist]

I LOVE SECRET SANTA!!!! God bless you for using your blessings to bless others.

[@leiilima808]

Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄 God bless you❤❤❤ you are healed in Jesus✨

[@MsBlue-od7rg]

ALL Supporters of Secret Santa across this country please start a prayer chain across this country for healing for this lady in JESUS name 🙏 Amen

[@luciledevries478]

Now I'm crying 😭 my prayers she gets better

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@sophiecormier7031]

This was bittersweet. I hope she has more years to make memories with her kids and grandkids. She deserves everything she got. The secret Santa is an amazing human being. Nate and his crew are awesome too. My thoughts and prayers are with Neila and her family during this difficult time.

[@lisaforte1575]

I love you, Secret Santa!

[@Samrules4ever]

I will be praying for you. God bless you. A miracle is when God intervenes and the impossible is made possible. May He grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

[@TheKasey5356]

I thoroughly enjoy these Secret Santa videos. I always have to have a tissue handy though to wipe my eyes. The joy in the eyes of the recipients of Secret Santa's remarkable gifts is awesome to see. God bless Secret Santa and the East Idaho News team for being a blessing to those in need.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@smileyone1612]

@@franklinstephen3268 Buzz off troll.

[@Jaque1961]

@@franklinstephen3268 it's not a dating site. Go to the bar!!!!

[@mosweetseats1404]

Continue to speak healing over your life, the cancer WAS stage 4… now it’s NO MORE!!! In Christ Jesus name you’re healed!!!! 🎉❤

[@maryscott3599]

What a lovely lady,hope her health improves. Thank you Nate,your team & Secret Santa for making her life a little easier. 🐦🎅☃️🙏♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@richardthomas1743]

I sure do wish Nelia the very best, Thank you Secret Santa.

[@Canadahockey14]

Another day another secret santa. Best time of the year, I guess ill stay up a little longer

[@mellownessuperstar2618]

The real Santa needs to give this beautiful lady more time!

[@iffyangel3380]

Wow! What a beautiful soul! Whomever secret Santa was, may God bless you! Prayers for this wonderful lady and her family!

[@serena7397]

I look at this woman and as I hear her explain everything she is going through my heart breaks for her. She amazingly keeps a smile on her face. I will pray she is here for Christmas and that the Chemo cures the cancer so she might have many more Christmas's to celebrate. 💙🙏💙🎄

[@ONNpankaj]

Secret Santa great work for humanity irrespective of its big or otherwise and Love from India 🇮🇳

[@mobetta3456]

I join my prayers with anyone else who believe in JESUS for this lady to not only survive Christmas but go into remission and have a future. Bless you, sweet lady !!!

[@begoodbebetterbeblessedix3766]

United by worldwide thru prayers, God Bless this beautiful soul 💯 May she find peace and relief knowing that Santa, His helpers and us all are each sending special love her way❣️🫂

[@gloriathornton9124]

I was permanently disabled, at age 50, having my diseased Sigmoid removed... I do not have an Ostomy, I was told that is the only 'fix' for my disability. I chose not to but it has been with a hefty price. I have tears in my eyes with this Secret Santa, knowing a small part of Her battles. She is very Humble and many Blessings to Her and Her Family from Our Farm in SE Washington State.

[@tomtaylor3523]

What a nice deserving lady.

[@mathiasringle6972]

Alright Nate and crew!! I couldn't wait till you folks started the new ones! I know these videos have to have added months or years to my life because I always head to them to adjust my attitude and feel better! Thanks to all of you and especially secret Santa!!!!!

[@mariannedressler6784]

I love you Secret Santa 🎅🏻 ❤

[@johnbacon1854]

After more than 30 years of loss, hard work and supporting many others, to now face all this...and yet still has a smile that lights a room... says so much about her.... I wish her a great recovery and many years of life.

[@mgdiamante5123]

Praying for healing and restoration. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

[@pamela5568]

What a sweet lady. She was very touched, but you can tell she is not feeling well at the end of chemo round. Unfortunate that even though she was doing all the right things they didn't catch her cancer sooner. Said a prayer for her recovery.

[@Patco11]

Nate and company are what make me anxious for Christmas season. Love this stuff.

[@shaz8486]

WOW! What a beautiful deserving lady . I pray she heals from her cancer 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Secret Santa that was very generous as always and so thoughtful in the gifts she received. So nice to see she won’t have to worry about heating, food, medical supplies and gifts for Christmas ❤️ I wish her every happiness, healing and a vey special Merry Christmas with her family around her. As Nate said, miracles DO happen and I have heard of many with stage 4 cancer and healing after surgery and chemo. Thank you Secret Santa, Nate and your helpers. You all certainly give many a huge smile for Christmas 🎄🎄🎄🤶🏻🧑🏻‍🎄🎅🏻xox

[@nada7.077]

Thank you Secret Santa, Nate and team for helping such deserving people. Prayers for complete healing for this woman. You can just tell she has a beautiful soul. God bless you all and keep you safe during these extraordinary times ❤️🙏

[@jacquelineadams8580]

I do hope that God will heal her and give her a longer life.

[@BOSOXFANATIC]

Such a sweet and brave lady.

[@nenettep5796]

I work in GI and too often we are seeing colon cancer diagnosis. I pray for this woman's health. So happy to have Secret Santa back - love watching these.

[@vash7727]

Happy for her and my prayers is with her

[@annemacleod1421]

Christmas is upon us because East Idaho News is doing Secret Santa!!! It’s hard to get my head round when it is hot here in New Zealand….thank you to the person who sponsors this..may he be blessed again for another season of giving. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿NZ

[@woowoochuggachugga]

Enjoy all the blessings, each and every moment.

[@steerpike50]

Hes back , well done all, has it been a year, iv been waiting, Merry Christmas East Idaho from the UK

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

God bless you Amelia💪🏽🙏💝🐝

[@redwoods7370]

I post this comment every year: My mother was from Idaho. We grew up in California but we visited our grandparents and cousins in Nampa and Caldwell Idaho every year. You have to understand that the people of Idaho are the most lovely, real, kind, friendly and helpful people you could ever meet. It's true! God bless all the people that Secret Santa will help this year.

[@711yada]

May God bless everyone watching, He is no secret, and He loves you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@melodygreen5029]

Just fantastic.

[@mariaemilianegron]

I can’t get enough of this lovely act’s of kindness I look forward every year to watch as much as I can. It makes me happy. Thank you Secret Santa

[@cynthiamgrooms8195]

It’s a Proven Fact, that having the burden of financial Needs lifted, makes a Huge difference mentally & emotionally, that has tremendous Positive effects on our physical well being. May these Blessings lead to Peace of Mind, & a Miracle Diagnosis that gives her More than even This Christmas with her family & friends.🙏 Thank You Secret Santa, Nate,& Team!!! This is the 3rd I’ve watched this year,& you’ve Already hit it out of the ballpark/tennis court!!?!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Thanks for blessing this lady and wishing her all the best in regards to her health and happiness!!

[@klaritydawn]

Bless her Father in Heaven. Please heal this child of yours. So beautiful and I will be praying for her. YOU WILL be here for Christmas, like Nate said, "there have been miracles". Only God knows and He Does hear our prayers.

[@yvonnemurray5537]

Wow…that was a tough one to get thru without crying. I was both sad & happy for her. She raised 7 children for heavens sake…truly inspiring.

[@judys5638]

I hope God has lots of great things in store for this gentle lady, and He started with a visit from Secret Santa's team. God bless her, and you all.🎅

[@bettycogswell9851]

Awww. May the Lord bring healing to this wonderful lady. Thank you Secret Santa for blessing her.

[@therealrhodiemx]

I hope this lovely lady has a health miracle. ❤️

[@beckysmith8151]

How sweet and loving. Thank you S.S.

[@alphonserobichaud1278]

This secret Santa is sooo precious, what a loving soul he or she is. I'm am a senior living in Florida, your generous giving made me cry, especially that man that his chainsaw was stolen. I can't believe there are people like you. Merry Christmas to you.

[@bobs1356]

This is a women who deserves this. Shenever asked for help like a lot of people right away set up a go fund me account asking people for help. But this women had to much pride.

[@racheal4962]

Father in heaven please heal this precious lady. Thank you Secret Santa 🎅🎅🎅.

[@robbiemarcum8878]

She is such a beautiful person inside and out. She sure deserves this.

[@ZacharyJensen]

I'm so happy this is back. I love secret Santa. Truly emotional and touching. Keep up the great work!

[@lisagregory8303]

Secret santa you are wonderful x love from 🇬🇧

[@brittonylewis5736]

Secret Santa always finds the best most deserving people! I will be keeping her in my prayers!

[@wadeunderhile7977]

God bless this dear lady

[@IceSkater8491]

Sending love and prayers to Neila for complete healing through the grace of God. Miracles do happen and there is one waiting for her right now. Thank you Secret Santa, Nate, and elves for the love and kindness you spread.

[@misslottieish]

Thank you Santa and Nate.

[@vickimu]

God bless this lady I pray there's a miracle for her

[@kathleenardrey5094]

Nila, thank you for being a nurse. You have beautiful eyes, by the way! May you heal well, and may blessings and peace be with you. Now I have to buy some tissues for this season. What thoughtful gifts, Secret Santa....wonderful.

[@cherietillapaughhott1012]

I love East Idaho news! I wish I lived near there. Y'all are just such kind and generous and loving people! ❤

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@texangrammy]

I look forward to these episodes every year. What a blessing.

[@cindiallain8542]

I absolutely love these stories. What a God send you all were for this woman.

[@contentedspirit9022]

As a now retired nurse, it's very difficult being the patient and is a hard adjustment. I had to retire early due to disability and it was one of the hardest things to do. I pray this sweet lady does well and she gets better. A very deserving lady as her kindness and gentle spirit shines through just seeing her talk with Nate and crew. Love Secret Santa.

[@pamstreasures3823]

May God bless you all for these blessings for people in need. It blesses my soul in watching them!

[@anthonynettleton8346]

So good to hear her ward is looking after her too from a fellow mormon I'm England UK 🇬🇧

[@dennisjeffs4239]

Nate and his colleagues are a real asset to East Idaho News, they are so passionate when handing over the gifts from the Secret Santa. Well done to all concerned, and know that in the run up to Christmas many more people will be surprised and grateful.

[@kaae2010]

Whenever I watch the Secret Santa videos from this station, I find myself incredibly moved and uplifted. May everyone involved in this find themselves blessed this holiday season.

[@Martinbeef]

She’s worked so incredibly hard. It’s better that most families are not so big these days. I pray that she has recovered and is living a good life with all her children and family. ❤..❤

[@benanglin1458]

Pray for this lady. Seriously.