Man caring for wife with cancer left speechless after receiving gifts from a Secret Santa

#EastIdahoSecretSanta #SecretSanta #EastIdahoNews
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy this holiday season helping a local man gift $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho. Secret Santa is a real person who wants to remain anonymous and hopes to bless as many individuals in our community as he can.
Phil is a self-employed painter who was very busy until August 2020 when his wife Debbie was diagnosed with two types of cancer. The resulting doctor visits both in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City, subsequent surgeries and time taken to care for Debbie have severely limited the time that he has been able to work.
Phil and Debbie do not have any family in the Idaho Falls area so it has been up to Phil to help Debbie
through the many days of surgeries and chemotherapy. Because of the time spent taking care of his wife,
Phil has been able to work very little.
Phil and Debbie are the kindest, most humble people who would never ask for help.
Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves if we could pay Phil and Debbie a visit with an early Christmas gift. Watch the video above to see the surprise!

[@chrishodgson6302]

The relief was evident for this man. Best wishes to him and his wife. Well done to Secret Santa.

[@EnjoyingLifeMelanie]

What Chris said ^^^

[@doddy37]

That’s what I saw pure relief in that mans face. I’m not crying your crying lol.

[@MrChaza001]

Mate! Exactly my thoughts. Someone just took a ton or so off that man’s shoulders and allowed him to straighten his back again! He just doesn’t have to worry about money for awhile at least. I really hope his wife gets better soon. Very best wishes to this couple from the other side of the world.

[@MI7DJT]

Any worry removed from a cancer patient must do the world of good for the mind, body and soul. God bless you Secret Santa and his messengers.

[@joylot729]

Lord Jesus will help them 🙏

[@ExtremePainGames]

Beautiful words M17. I couldn't agree more.

[@Harley73]

There have been studies that have shown that stress can make recovering from an illness take longer than it needs to. Having this weight and stress off their shoulders for the next yr should help her speed up her recovery.

[@ddavies1967]

Wise words 👏♥️

[@ktps1527]

I’m so sad to know that Secret Santa is winding down. These stories are so touching. Merry Christmas. Thank you Secret Santa.

[@loveforeignaccents]

I know; me too... but what's the saying... better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all! 😍🥰💘💜💟

[@joylot729]

Lord Jesus loves secret Santa

[@ktps1527]

@@averyvaliant the Secret Santa series runs through the Christmas season. There will be more this year. But when they’re done, we have to wait until next year for it to start again.

[@stevensallsorts]

@@averyvaliant because of Christmas, at least I'm assuming

[@lindaraterink6451]

@@averyvaliant just a couple of days left for this year and if we're lucky secret santa has enough money left to do a nother round next year. My notifaction will be off after Chrismas, but I will put them back on early october not to mis anything in case he brings new gifts.

[@ppoe1952]

holy cow...Nate, you're killing me. I cried and cried. Bless these people.

[@geezer4444]

for every tear, you shed you allow another into heaven, thank you

[@Tribute2Mike]

Are you Phill? Yeah, why? 😂

[@ppoe1952]

@@Tribute2Mike Why? I have soft heart, and it warms me to see people in this situation be helped.

[@nightrunner1456]

Texas.

[@morganjanelle4282]

@@ppoe1952 Monica was referring to 1:35 when Nate asked the man "Are you Phil?" (so as to make sure that he was the man Nate was there to see/talk to) and Phil's response was "Yeah, why?" It was funny and _that_ is what Monica commented on. She wasn't referring to the wording of your comment. 🕊 Your comment was very sweet, btw. (and I got tears in _my_ eyes, _too.)_

[@geezer4444]

MANY people wish this would never stop, IT DOES NOT HAVE TO just you go out and find someone who needs a little love or help you will be surprised how much joy you can get from giving just little

[@marys3127]

Mel, yes, yes, yes. Sometimes, people just need a bit of help. A person in a wheelchair needs a door held open, or the person behind you in line at the store needs a few dollars to pay for their items, etc. So many small ways we can make a difference daily.

[@miket.4374]

Whenever I go through a drive thru for a coffee or food I pay for the persons order behind me. I do this year round, not just at Xmas. It’s a small gesture but can really make someone’s day. Happy Holidays everyone ✌🏽❤️🇨🇦

[@brianmartin5366]

@@miket.4374 I went to get a coffee the other morning and the person infront of me had paid for me same like you do... it left me with a smile all day.

[@miket.4374]

@@brianmartin5366 Happy Holidays & Go Raps🔥🏀🔥✌🏽☕️🇨🇦

[@macalauresmuse]

Wise words, it doesn't need to be a huge thing, just whatever we can do for someone else. Thank you x

[@nicklager1666]

As they say during the wedding in sickness and in health. This is a man and real husband. Taking care of his family. Im sure the gifts will give them alot of christmas joy.

[@mythoughts6922]

Yes he is, she chose wisely!

[@jessicagetzy7594]

Yep, that's for sure! What a great man! I knew someone who wasn't so great . It's sad

[@guyrabinowitz]

There is no word spelled "alot." There are, however, two separate words: "a" and "lot."

[@overit6969]

@@guyrabinowitz It actually can be spelled both ways. Why don't you just go eat pizza!! Spell Nazi are not needed!!

[@mythoughts6922]

@@guyrabinowitz Glad to know you are so perfect!

[@contentedspirit9022]

It's 2:30 am and I am once again crying like baby because a sweet man who struggles to care for his sick wife and keep bills paid has just been blessed by one of the kindest people on Earth. It's this kind of reaction that says so much. Feeling like he just won the lottery, his thoughts were centered around on showing his wife the blessings they had just received. Thank you again Secret Santa, Nate and East Idaho News!

[@ultimatecreations4931]

Family is Love 💞/ God is Love 🕊💜🕊

[@ralphs3012]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@monusbrewer4911]

Such a humble man, the shock was so evident that he was worried about everything.

[@marthaellis4808]

I thought the poor man was going to have a heart attack there in the doorway when he saw the gift cards for gas!! Then it just got better from there!! You could see he was just overwhelmed! Hope his wife will continue to improve!! Merry Christmas to them both!! Thank you Secret Santa!!

[@Annie-ZA]

Me too!

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

Yes. When he reacted to the gas cards I thought, "oh, bless your heart, just wait till you see the rest!"

[@Annie-ZA]

@@kimberlysevastyanenko3798 Me too!😁🤭😍

[@susans9617]

Phil was so shocked after the first gift. Then the second almost overwhelmed him. I thought he was going to fall down/ faint/ or have a heart attack when he saw the check for rent for the next year!!! I hope you are watching, Secret Santa!! Merry Christmas to all!

[@ouellettecindy]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. Poor man was so shocked, overwhelmed and relieved all at the same time. I bet once he went into the house and showed his wife, they both broke down and had a good happy cry. Merry Christmas from Canada 🌲

[@loveforeignaccents]

"HELLO, are you Phil? "Yeah... why????" And then once he opens the first gift, he dropped down his guard and all the angels were floating around him, gift after gift; oh, my goodness after oh, my goodness, LOL. I honestly thought this guy was going to have a heart attack near the end though. So glad Secret Santa was able to help them out so much and best of luck to his wife's recovery!!!

[@jtcarrey]

I felt the same way, I'm like don't pass out! as I'm crying haha Love these, I watch these every single night

[@derekwalters4980]

I think Secret Santa just knocked this wonderful husband's socks off!!! He looked and sounded so shocked, I was worried he wasn't going to be able to catch his breath! I don't think he knew who Nate and Secret Santa were.....BUT HE DOES NOW!!

[@richardvasconcellos8789]

Whoever this person is there is a special place in heaven for them I'm sure

[@nickiph1]

One of my top 5. I bawled like a baby. God bless him and his wife. God bless Secret Santa and everyone else.

[@lisarodriguez2926]

Phil was so gracious and grateful. God bless him. I used a lot of tissues on the one... 💛🎄

[@lonestar2577]

Secret Santa has lifted multiple burdens from this man’s shoulders. God Bless you, Secret Santa❣️

[@kkoup35]

I’M not crying, YOU’RE crying. What a tear jerker. These are the kind of responses that I like. He REALLY appreciated everything. God bless him and his wife.

[@coryhobbs5386]

Dang ol onion ninja, me to brother

[@aslanlionfan28]

I wasn't crying either everybody else was. Lol

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

You're right; I am!!

[@perijetton9275]

The genuine shock, relief and appreciation on this man’s face is a gift for us all. God bless him and his wife. Merry Christmas and thank you Secret Santa for the blessings you have given us all this Christmas season. 🎄❤️🎅❤️🎁❤️⛄️❤️

[@joycef8443]

Wasn’t it though! Such shock and then relief!

[@edwardmorgan3851]

" I wish my wife could see this " That says everything we need to know about this man.

[@cindygunn7]

Maybe we can’t do this on the same scale, but let’s all think of someone we could “lift” by doing something (for them) in the same spirit!🎄❤️🎅🏼🙏🏼

[@ChristopherTradeshow]

even paying for the persons coffee behind you at the coffee shop or drive thru will make anyone feel appreciated

[@Shankulaaa]

And we don’t need to wait for Christmas to bring little miracles to others who really need them. Cheers! 💕

[@sylviarivas741]

@@ChristopherTradeshow gift cards always help Walmart coffee pizza any time off year just drop off dinner

[@lisapully9274]

How sweet is he? When he seen his rent was paid for and he was trying to catch his breath I thought, "oh sir, please keep breathing!" ❤️

[@dianegreen2139]

Greetings from West Africa so touching i was worried about him for a bit he looked like he was going to fall! Going to miss this it so enjoyable to see kindness in the world. Blessings to all!!!🎄🎁🎉😘💝

[@ReikiontheRun]

I stopped breathing with him!

[@tieiatalks]

I got worried when he saw that check that he was going to have a heart attack. Sweet man.

[@whatintheworld7624]

So happy he is getting help... trying to pay the bills while taking care of a sick family member can be very rough. Praying for his wife to recover from her illness. F* %k cancer.

[@avrilbowler8755]

How many times do people say they are OK when that is far from the truth? Secret Santa looks behind the smiles, sees the pain hiding there and holds out a wonderful helping hand. What you do is amazing, Secret Santa. Thank you.

[@macsloan58]

Yes. Yes. Yes. The recipients are so strong. I am always amazed.

[@coryhobbs5386]

Yes your so thoughtful , the strong people love this Big love from Alaska

[@isisemkeb]

OMG !!! One more and he would have fainted. He was all choked-up with the gas cards, then the groceries. He just could not take it anymore with the rent ... As a father, hubby and provider, his shoulders lifted a whole 300 lbs off. You did it again Secret Santa. Probably your elves working extra overtime.

[@suecoady8017]

These gifts are better than winning lottery tickets. They are specifically chosen for the needs of the recipients. Well done.!

[@mayneeyuh8713]

I thought the same! So much better than the lottery.

[@marciclark8266]

Truly a deserving couple...you could tell he was just so grateful...

[@deronhanson5454]

To Nate & all your team, & to Secret Santa-in today's world, where all we ever hear about is "doom & gloom", you have no idea how you are not only blessing people whom need it, but you are also blessing all whom are watching the videos around the world-keep up the fine work you are doing

[@Itsmeagain828]

Indeed

[@thebusybee7080]

People have expressed sadness that these videos are coming to an end this year. But you can still rewatch them. All the old ones still leave a person with a truly feel good feeling. Seeing them again is just as nice as seeing them the first time. Try it. Merry Christmas.

[@marjoriehopkins1630]

This is the perfect reaction! I love to see people who are so touched and so thankful! Thank you Secret Santa for providing such cheer and so much help in this sometimes dark world! God bless you!

[@TheKrazysinner]

First one to bring me to tears, I went thru my mom having cancer and my father trying his hardest to take care of the family so I can only imagine the amount of weight lifted off this man. God bless Secret Santa whoever you are!

[@Kahluhagirl71]

I live for these stories every year. Sad it's about over. I'm not a millionaire but do what I can for people in need and if I ever was one, I know I'd be doing the same. God Bless these yearly secret Santa's. God's helpers. Merry Christmas!

[@NamaSika]

To be able to help anyone with whatever you have, money or otherwise is what matters. That is more than enough. Bless you.

[@rickhammond2473]

The problem with many people you cannot help them because they create their own problems sad but true.

[@juliehillman8743]

You can only imagine the relief this poor man felt knowing the roof over their head was safe for the year. Merry Christmas and all the very best ❤🎅🎄🧑‍🎄🇬🇧

[@janicecanfield9211]

Phil and his wife neeeeed tons of support from so many. Phil seems so humble and taken aback. This is a great video. Secret Santa should know how much he's appreciated. Thank you EIN, Santa and elves.

[@omaopa6923]

👏👏👏🇦🇺 this year’s secret Santa is coming to a close and if he ever reads the comments I’d like to thank him for being so kind but my guess is that he continues to help all year round 👏👏👏🇦🇺

[@tomaszwyszkowski2253]

I did "ugly cry" on this one. So happy for this sweet man and his wife.

[@valeriebumblebee7607]

Just on this one? ;)

[@donna8]

So worth it ☺️

[@CJLOVE72]

You could see the relief and worry of this gentleman just lift from his shoulders and fly away.

[@evelynherrera-gonzalez1474]

Please god heal his wife so that this amazing couple can live many many many more happy years together! Thank you secret santa!

[@djbrec]

From so far away from where you are, I watch this every season- I rewatch throughout the year- watching good people receive blessings is good for the soul! ❤️

[@a-mbren358]

Me too! I'm watching from France! This has inspired me: I decided to prepare some 20 Euro bills, even though we are overdrawn at the bank by alot, who cares if I add 100 more, right? 😂 And so tomorrow I'm getting in the car with my 2 boys, 12 and 13 yrs old, and we're going to drive around til we find some people to give à little to! Might actually get a box of chocolates too.... "Joyeux Noël" everyone ! ♥️🌲

[@shoppergirl4363]

I love this story! He is such a humble man. Thank you Secret Santa for blessing them.

[@flatwater5]

Really, really dusty in here! Almighty God, please bless and keep our "Secret Santa" and all who follow in these same noble, selfless footsteps. This is my solemn prayer. Amen.

[@KarenJWhyte]

Wow, so deserving. My goal in life is to be secret Santa! What an amazing charitable person!

[@lynda6585]

Mine too( goal)..

[@judithcoleman3108]

Praise GOD! They were able to experience a little joy during the holiday! Thank you Secret Santa!

[@DDee-oi6kn]

Secret Santa is such a blessing to people like this who are struggling every day. God bless you Secret Santa!

[@knbbh454]

This may be may favorite Secret Santa surprise of the year. I love seeing those who are truly surprised and appreciative when they open the first box and then it just gets better from there! ☺️❤️ Secret Santa is one special person! He has blessed me so much this year in just being able to watch all of these surprises.

[@proto718]

Now that's what I call a genuine reaction ❤ Merry CHRISTMAS, everyone. 🎅🎅🎅

[@macsloan58]

Yes. Very genuine

[@eternity7477]

I love the ones where the recipient are offish at the start the most. It is always followed by such gratitude as they clearly didn't expect it. Thank you Secret Santa. What a blessing you are to the world.

[@fernandoulloa3437]

THE SECRET DONNOR IS A GREAT HUMAN BEING, HE OR SHE IS DOING WHAT IS RIGHT. GOD BLESS HIM OR HER.

[@BeyondChange]

You can tell that this was a life changing event for this man. Took care of a lot of the Financial Burden.

[@greyman1k]

Secret Santa and his elves bring so much joy to those of us who watch every Christmas season, and all through the year. God bless you all.

[@margojost6041]

Prayers for this good man and his wife. He was truly shocked and Secret Santa, you’ve done it again ! God Bless you and thank you! Nate, thank you and the crew for helping Secret Santa share his unbelievable gifts, with such kind hearts and hugs! 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️🎅🏻🎄👍🥰

[@ms.one-town901]

God bless Phil and Debbie. Lifting them up in my prayers. I so love Secret Santa and sad to see the season winding down!!♥️🥰😍♥️

[@loobylouboti]

😭❤ I'm betting him and his wife had a good cry together when he showed her the gifts. 1) because of the huge weight taken off them and 2) because of the love people have shown for them them, inc a stranger, by doing this for them. I pray for his wifes healing and wish them a very Merry Christmas from England.

[@iEatcandy.]

You can tell how humble he is. People that work hard, do their best and expect nothing.

[@frankieteo6659]

Another great blessing for this man and wife. So happy for them while you can see the great appreciation and gratitude from him. Thank you Secret Santa and East Idaho News Team for bringing them blessings for the season. God Bless..

[@wadeunderhile7977]

A good man, God bless him and his wife and secret Santa. Thank you Nate and crew for making Christmas time a joy to my soul

[@richardthomas1743]

I had to come back and watch this again. I love how Nate interacts with people , he is kind and considerate , he has empathy and compassion , his tone and demeanor towards others is something that we all should strive to incorporate into our own everyday life's if we are not already doing so. Even if it is just a simply hello and a thank you , that can go a long ways into making somebody else's day better. Everybody that I have seen in these videos from East Idaho news has been that way.

[@lisabelle7553]

So touching- this was a very nice thing that was done for this man and his wife. God bless!

[@brendaballewthebear3349]

I just got blessed today with a hundred dollar bill from the sheriff and his deputy outside a store! Merry Christmas ❤️

[@loveforeignaccents]

Wow, that's cool!! Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄🤶❄

[@roadrunnerx]

Wow, this man is so overwhelmed by Secret Santa, God bless him, they truly needed this!

[@john102933]

Tears pouring to see and feel the relief of a suffering husband. May God help his wife! Best wishes of Merry Christmas. Carissimi amici di East Idaho News vi auguro un sereno Natale!

[@simonrichards6739]

As someone who’s partner has been fighting cancer on and off for 10 years, this has bought a tear to my eye! Lots of love from the U.K! Happy holidays to you all!

[@jblart1829]

Sending you ❤️ from across the miles.

[@loverules5118]

🙏❤

[@amfwelsh]

Hope things improve for you

[@kashioable]

I've watched every single Secret Santa video since it started. This reaction is one of the best! I love it, amazing how much the Secret Santa presents mean to this man. What a beautiful reaction.

[@resignJJ]

It would be great if you could start and advertise a go fund me for some of these people also.

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

There's a special place in heaven for Secret Santa.

[@karldanger5150]

Secret Santa is changing lives ❤

[@deebaldwin2011]

I'm going to miss these. I look forward to them every day. Thank you Secret Santa, you are a blessing. 💖

[@hugstoyou7]

I have to remember to stock up on tissues because every single year I end up using a months worth wiping the tears. So many blessing to many deserving people. Happy, warm, and love filled holiday's to everyone

[@kathyclark8274]

Bless them. This is true selfless love, of the type Christ talked about.

[@T.J.Caldwell318]

This is what our lord Jesus Christ wants out of us, to love and help one another. Thank you Jesus for giving the secret Santa a good heart

[@reeseskandy]

I was holding my breath with him! LOL These stories are so touching to my heart. Thank you, guys! Merry CHRISTmas!!

[@billwilson5341]

Merry CHRISTmas, indeed!

[@nannybluebelle8643]

Bless his heart .... such a relief for him . Santa your a heck of a guy or girl . Thankyou for All you do for people . Love to you and yours from me in the UK xx 🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄

[@davidlarman5302]

Why can't we have a secret Santa for the whole of next year? This man was so deserving.

[@ClarkKent-xj3pi]

Phil was one of the most appreciative recipient of secret santa.. he was shocked and i can tell very happy even on the first gift alone. God bless Nate and the rest of the guys at East Idaho News..Merry Christmas from the Philippines

[@fernandoulloa3437]

HE IS VERY BRAVE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO IF MY WIFE WAS THAT SICK.

[@-greentoad]

Very touching. He was so shocked and surprised. Loved his reaction and would have liked seeing his wife's as well. Been loving these secret Santa stories!

[@moyses9293]

His reaction was great Such a deserving man

[@emilywiebel3238]

What a sweet man! The relief you could tell he felt opening each gift made it so special. It was cute all the “oh my goodness” he got out as well 💕

[@topher420s]

When a man like that starts hugging ... you know it meant a lot

[@ProtectiveDadPranks]

East Idaho News and Secret Santa changing lives once again ❤️

[@chris2fur401]

THIS man is what true masculinity and manliness is. Caring for his wife in her time of need. Putting other things and people before him. A hard working man doing all he can to make sure the bills are still paid.

[@joeheid4757]

My water intake around this time of year goes way up. I have to replenish from all the tears shed from watching all these Secret Santa videos of him helping people in need. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@pamela5568]

What a sweet and kind man. Taking care of his wife. So thankful. Secret Santa is an amazing person.

[@sallyerlandson5881]

Ohmigosh this one was the best yet. Bless him and his wife.

[@donnawilkinson2151]

This Secret Santa has changed lives for so many deserving people. Well done!

[@texangrammy]

This man appreciated those gifts so much. I know that was a relief for him! God Bless Secret Santa and Nate snd his team!

[@josephconner3742]

This guy is the most humble. And the most deserving.

[@thatoneguy8693]

That was incredible! Couldn't help but cry a bit on that one. Thank you, as always, for the changes you are making in people's lives, and for the example you set!

[@useruser.2783]

Whoever Secret Santa is.... You are one amazing, caring, thoughtful individual.. I watch these videos each year in the UK

[@Paula_KentuckyRed]

Thank you Secret Santa 🎅🏼 and Nate, for all you’ve done this Christmas ‼️ What a weight you’ve taken from this family in their time of need. Praying God will grant them comfort and strength during the wife’s health problems. 🕊

[@rosemariemckinley7326]

What a humble man.

[@texasgina]

Precious couple 🙏🏻

[@htd4lifesavagefam547]

He was in shock over the gas cards. What a truly amazing guy. My prayers with him and his wife. Many blessings.

[@paulwhite2533]

Phil...big old hug.....Merry Xmas Phil and Deb

[@ryder2588]

Love ❤️

[@MsDawnnee]

Wishing this lovely man and his wife, a Happy and Healthy 2022, and a very Happy Christmas! Love from England xxx

[@miemartine2216]

So many invisible people, need to witness these beautiful efforts, to help another. So we can have hope, in humanity. 🙏

[@bhumphries1360]

Other communities should come together all through the year and make this happen for as many folks as they can. I've been thinking about what I can do to help others. Was thinking about doing bake sales, car washes, and get donations from local businesses throughout the year to save up for our own Secret Santa giveaway each year. Is there a special type of bank out that can be set up to save this money back in? Like some type of savings fund account for a community outreach program? I struggle sometimes to pay my own bills. So I know what it's like to need. And my community has such a great, and dire need. Especially during these hard times. I just want to do all that I can to help others.

[@debraallen63]

Go talk to your local Bank 🏦, they'll help you set up a fund.

[@benobro5831]

Best wishes to Debbie

[@margaretpace4285]

Awww you got me again..love and prayers to him and his wife...god bless you secret Santa Nate and team ❤️ can't believe it's nearly over x

[@coloradodadonduty6442]

This Person who ever he or she is the secret Santa is for me definitely a God in human form, humanity is all we need in this world.