Middle school teacher takes in student battling kidney disease

When teacher Finn Lanning found out one of his students was planning on leaving school, he knew he had to help. Now, both of their lives have changed. Steve Hartman has their story "On the Road."
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[@jayleanpina7459]

Poor baby, it broke my heart to see him cry and say “one day they’ll love you and the next kick you out the door” I can tell he’s been through so much at such a young age. God bless Finn for taking him in 💙

[@pearlvongpusanachai5942]

Jaylean Pina Broke my heart too. Damian, I would like to think you’re in good hands. Sending love from Bangkok, Thailand . God bless your ex-math teacher! 💖💕

[@1falconeye2]

Yes, I am so happy for this child. A few years back two foster shelters had students attend our school. We became an F school. We had children who sadly experienced things that I pray no one has to endure. I saw very broken angry and sad children. Bright students that were so emotionally damaged, I think some had PTSD. This teacher is great, may he continue to be blessed with his new son. It took a year for our school to get help. The bad thing is that we lost so many of our regular students. Parents saw the behaviors in our school decline and heard stories from their own children. I pray parents really think before having sex or take birth control. The damage is heart breaking.

[@chocolatecapricorn9418]

What’s heart breaking is the journalist says he never gets his hopes up. Fairytale falling apart.

[@butt5810]

yeah that made me tear up

[@polly2020]

Me too, his teacher though what an amazing person.

[@femmeaniketos]

Yeah... He's a dad, an amazing one. He may as well give in to it ;) Finn and Damian, all the best wishes to you both.

[@sarahjayne1620]

I think he doesnt feel good enough. As if he hasnt earned the title which is a huge shame because seeing them interact you can see hes not just a father figure hes his best friend

[@TNT_dynamight]

Yes there was one

[@Nlauret]

@Tucker,Fearn and Bentley’s Angel Forever the kid was in states custody. Meaning his real parents aren't involved in his life.

[@Blacktulip2010]

@Tucker,Fearn and Bentley’s Angel Forever Wrong. "Earned" is the correct spelling.

[@ashleighbasel7873]

Tucker,Fearn and Bentley’s Angel Forever sold? What does that even mean? You’re obviously meddling in things that don’t need to be meddled in. If his biological parents could, and wanted to take care of him, they’d be in the picture. You’re taking a touching story about a compassionate teacher and completely twisting it. I hope you have a good day and come to your senses about the actual situation at hand

[@samsanford1545]

For the first time in my entire life, I can respect a math teacher

[@morganfox5358]

??

[@SamP0rterBridges]

At least its not an economics teacher.

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

Gives a new meaning to 1+1=2 May God bless them! I am happy they found each other. Much respect for the Math teacher! Thanks for your comment... God bless you too. Peace, Lynne 🍃🌷🍃

[@victorlloyd5271]

Sorry to hear it, Unturtled. I liked and/or respected most of my teachers, instructors and professors. You missed a great deal.

[@creativesparks2164]

Victor Lloyd In different places some teachers just don’t care at all and some really do the first schools I was at no one cared and didn’t teach anything

[@ms.williams6009]

Poor kid. He’s not trusting, it shows he has been hurt in the past. I hope his fairytale has a happy ending like he wants. The math teacher has a heart of gold. God bless him ❤️

[@husslemotivated3230]

Such a heartbreaking story I feel for that kid

[@Syhntax]

We need to fight those heartless persons with pure heart

[@Ash-kb9hn]

The teacher ended up adopting him and he also got his kidney transplant. ❤

[@mckinaartis7577]

Who said there's no more REAL MEN LEFT IN THIS WORLD.... MY EYES....

[@r0pcal0ney2]

Nobody...

[@mckinaartis7577]

@@r0pcal0ney2 NOBODY......

[@r0pcal0ney2]

Mckina Artis what?

[@mckinaartis7577]

@@r0pcal0ney2 I repeated what you said...

[@r0pcal0ney2]

Mckina Artis why?

[@taylorlynn534]

please put these two on Ellen❤️

[@wonderlandisalanguage9646]

Yes !

[@RSVD84]

Yes yes yes. Amen to that and prayers that can happen. 🙏

[@braydenlemke3449]

Tag ellen if everyone can tag her youtube it will get her attention at some point.

[@xxxxxx-uj5ez]

What an uplifting story! They definitely need to update this and deserve a go fund me page as well. Great teacher with a big heart! God Bless them both.

[@jashauniiofficially5580]

Taylor Bowman lmao

[@Kaixo-Zemouz]

"you did" - the way the reporter affirmed him was so genuine and loving as if i wasn't sobbing enough already

[@LisaSmith-zf4yh]

You tube needs a love button! ❤️

[@AP2207__]

Lisa Smith start a petition because I agree I’ll sign it and get everyone I know to sign it to ❤️

[@deadaccbye.8036]

KZbin is one word

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

YES, I AGREE! 🍃💜🍃

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

God bless you Lisa! 🍃💜🍃Lynne

[@LisaSmith-zf4yh]

Thank you so much, Lynne. You too!

[@Charrisnemtblueprint]

#1) This is amazing! #2) The kid is like an old man in a child's body and he's amazing. #3) The teacher is an angel and he is amazing. #4) This is such a great story and such a blessing. And God is Amazing!!!

[@monkeysluvdani]

RozSpeaks so much good..... I mean, yes, there’s tragedy here as well, but it proves that good can still come. We need more stories like these.

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

That makes #5 God is amazing! Perfect comment. God bless you, RozSpeaks! Peace, Lynne 🍃💜🍃

[@Unknownz000]

#5) Amazing!!!

[@kimberlychavez5831]

Not an old man a wise man

[@ellery7224]

god isn’t real

[@sahirygnobehi6448]

He’s not lying. We’ve seen it all the time. ONE DAY it’s love. The next is get the F out of my house. Anyways. What’s his gofund page. I’ll help with the bit I have😊😊

[@sarahjayne1620]

It sounds like you are speaking from experience I hope that's not the case but if so I'm sorry x

[@sahirygnobehi6448]

Sarah Jayne . I never experienced it. I have heard and seen it happen. Too many adopt then when all don’t go as planned they kick the teens out. Now with the whole Alabama ban. Too many kids in the orphanages are still not being adopted. Why not 😳😳

[@KGreen-pr8yz]

I was placed in a group home until I aged out but the kids sent to foster homes would always come back or be sent to another home because they’d get kicked out so much. It was usually for the smallest things like not washing a dish or not doing good in school but also not getting along with their biological kids and ultimately having “too many problems “

[@akatsukinoyona4223]

@@sahirygnobehi6448 what's the alabama ban???

[@sahirygnobehi6448]

@@akatsukinoyona4223 .. On abortion. The men and that one woman whom had the power to vetoed made sure to pass a law that will penalize girls and women for having abortions. Including rape.

[@Day-et3fm]

OH MY ABSOLUTE GOD OKAY OKAY OKAY WOW So I know this guy, Finn. He used to be a counselor at the LGBTQ+ summer camp I went to for teens (camp lightbulb) and he was really great, and I'm an early ed major in vocational school, so when he told me he was a middle school math teacher I was like "wow, that's really cool!" and then over a YEAR later I see this! Finn was such a cool guy at camp, and seeing that he's done such incredible things with his life is really great :)

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

That's so cool! On all levels!

[@jennwill80]

Is he trans? Anyway, great guy. Damian and Finn are lucky to have each other.

[@RalphRoberts1]

@Jennifer what makes you think he's trans?

[@targetsquad3827]

Wow !!!

[@dornemason4134]

So he really is as nice as he looks

[@jeepcj5100]

Oh my gosh...would have been easier to see this video if I wasn't crying...Damien deserves Finn, and Finn you deserve Father of the Year. What an AWESOME family.

[@addisonraee7507]

#1) T

[@terrym5023]

Please set up a Go Fund Me!! Awesome guy, awesome kid!

[@Cruz1214.]

"leave me alone, Ill leave you alone, and ill get my work done" me if I was a teacher: "fair enough"

[@rachaelmcdonald9841]

I cried for them both. This is such a beautiful story.

[@Rov8181]

The sadness of the kid's voice broke my heart

[@wildbill23c]

When they're put into the foster system, they have nothing, they're treated pretty bad too in many cases, and sounds to me like Dameon was in more than one foster home and obviously the way he talked had been kicked out more than once and of course not saying he's a perfect angel, but damn the people that have the money to foster children should damn well know those kids have been through a lot and they're going to come into your home broken, sad, scared, lonely, alone...its your job as a foster parent to see through those things, and help build that child up and give them the love and encouragement that they need. Its not your job as a foster parent to judge them and they're not a product off a shelf at Walmart, you can't just return them because they're broken...you need to help repair them and make them whole again.

[@tiniegaming9404]

@@wildbill23c it will just take a little nudge,lots of love and care

[@damiengarbutt7229]

I didn't plan on bawling tonight. But here I am.

[@latinguy67]

I'm crying with you

[@napachick100]

why is donald trump on the news??? THIS SHOULD BE WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!

[@brunojacinto1625]

If there was more countent like this instead if the hateful, narcisistic, sensionalistic crap we get the world would be a better place

[@kp4949]

Leave politics out of this. Enough,this is about a wonderful young boy and a special teacher.

[@Jenbrinkerjackson]

@@kp4949 You are missing the point. Which makes you part of the problem.

[@kp4949]

@@Jenbrinkerjackson right jennifer,right always someone else is the problem. Do you have a mirror? Take a look yourself. There are some things where politics do not need to be involved and this was one of them.

[@cathyjudge2760]

yes ! and many more stories like this! help to spread hope and gratitude to all !!

[@elsaadauto7521]

Do you guys see that they both physically look like each other. Like father and son. This was meant to be. Blessings to both of them. And good luck.

[@aaliyonnahrobertson5099]

that's what i said

[@asherthefirst]

"When a teacher doesn't bother me over and over again, it's better." *YES BOI* "Leave me alone, I'll leave you alone, I'll get my work done." *OKAY BRUH- YOUR MY FAVORITE KID*

[@deesaahir4958]

Who in the ham sandwich disliked this video?!🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️😫. I just dont get it. Anyway, so happy for these two! So happy he has a new kidney and a cool guy as his dad. ♥️♥️♥️Love from NY!

[@caramelkisses8857]

Dee Saahir ok what is the haberdashery and hemoglobin??!!! Who does that?!!!

[@mikewrasman5103]

People who are against adoption stories and feel good stories, otherwise known as Scrooges and hard hearted people.

[@deanronson6331]

We all know by now which segment of our society is pathologically heartless - about 40% of the population. They call those who help others "snowflakes", but they themselves represent nothing short of a death cult. They have reached new depths of depravity by harassing and threatening doctors and nurses taking care of COVID patients as well as parents having their kids wear masks. Only in America do such criminal acts go unpunished on a daily basis. No society can survive with such levels of evil in its midst and the inability or unwillingness of the government to swiftly and decisively curb it.

[@lemonadewithsnacks3733]

As soon as that boy trusts him he'll know that he has found his forever home. I wish them happiness

[@user-rv9eg7vn3q]

Is he still a bachelor because damn - there's a catch

[@CC-pf9sp]

Ikr!😍

[@prettyMarleeyy]

When he said “they love you one day , and kick you out the next “ broke my heart 😢😢💔

[@rohzpopper4922]

Yes it happens !

[@wildbill23c]

Sad, very sad, but he's right and it happens a lot sadly.

[@AmandaDwhitsett]

Damian: do u know how many pencils I’ve gone through this year? Teacher/dad: way more than you should’ve Me: 😂😂😂

[@chan-ht1sk]

To the teacher in this video, I don’t know if you’ll ever check this video or even look at the comments but I wanted to give you some praise. You stood up and did what was right. You showed this world that there is still a “Man” in it. Thank you for taking courage and and showing love to someone in need. Thank you for standing as a symbol of what a “Man” should be like. Thank you for standing up for what’s right and filling a need that you recognized.

[@skyhighpizza1577]

My teacher used to say “we should get paid as much as Michael Jordan “. I never believed that to be true until now

[@chrissym3869]

This is absolutly the best thing i've seen an heard in a long time!!!!! So happy for this lil boy, ii wish these 2 ppl the best!!! :)

[@nicogs97]

They were literally perfect for each other. They seem to have the same personality and like they were related. It’s no question that they were meant to be together.

[@drvannozzun]

Stop making me cry Steve! Every Friday evening......

[@ILive2Rescue]

What is it with math teachers?? I got pregnant in high school and my son died shortly after birth. Yes, I was young; but it devastated my life, even to this day. My geometry teacher sent me a sympathy card (he was the only one of my teachers who even acknowledged my sons birth and death) and I’ve *never* forgotten the kindness and empathy he extended to me. To this day I still remember what he wrote in the sympathy card he sent to me. “Take the time now to take care of yourself.” One simple little phrase *literally* made the difference to me between life and death. Two years later when I was stationed in Germany while in the US Army I lost another child, the last child I’d ever conceive. The *only* thing that kept me going was Mr. Beltramini’s words that he wrote to me after I lost my son. Thank you for highlighting this math teachers kindness. I wish both of them the best of luck!!! ♥️

[@viktorthebird6115]

"You did" ... bro that broke me right there ...

[@heatherlynde9362]

Ty being being an amazing teacher and parent, 🙏 for you and your son

[@leticiaramos4882]

Wow amazing wish they’re where more teachers that care for they’re students like he does congratulations man 👏🏼👍🏼god bless

[@1falconeye2]

There are. I know of one teacher. Her and her husband have fostered a brother and sister, and are waiting for judge and paperwork to adopt them. Biological mon is in jail, refusing to get help, and dad signed off and never bothered to visit them at shelter and wants nothing to do with them. Sad beginning, happy ending. In fact, they will be attending catholic school very soon.

[@amysmith1683]

HERE IS HIS GOFUNDME!!! He has gotten the kidney but definitely still needs help through all of this change! In his words, “Funds raised beyond providing for Damien's immediate needs will be established in a trust to help secure Damien's education and any future medical expenses.” Saw the video and it touched my heart so much to help these amazing people I hope it did to you too!

[@zodiacgrrl]

Amy Smith where is the link?

[@gabbymerritt7937]

He’s a dad and a superhero. What he did for his student, now his son, is incredible. I’m in awe. This is a wonderful story. Teachers like this deserve so so so much.

[@chefmami6056]

I love this ❤️❤️❤️ 🙏🏽 you are awesome teacher 👨‍🏫 and man !!!

[@Dutchkuno]

They love you one day and kick you out the next day! I experienced exactly what the kid meant. :( :( :( really sad

[@angelicaobrien8280]

They seem like they can just fit together!! Such a warm story to hear!!

[@potato6797]

He’s the type of teacher that defends a student against the principal

[@magmatempr1336]

He is 😃

[@rosarioparada5234]

Aww he is such a fighter poor bud. I hope he gets better ❤️

[@jeanettekulick5394]

His Go fund Me page is entitled "Help Damien get a kidney". So far almost $85,000 has been raised but as everyone knows, medical expenses can be astronomical. I love this kid. Wish he was my grandson. Finn is a wonderful person. God Bless them both.

[@AmberAmbwee]

I’ve always had such nice math teachers! All of my English and science teachers were horrible. I’ve loved every math teacher I’ve had. I guess that’s why I’m now an accounting major. lol

[@magmatempr1336]

Math teachers are always the nicest ones. The meanest are the science teachers

[@rubyrose2522]

Aw, that poor sweet boy! What an amazing teacher dad! God Bless You Both!

[@stevieboy2009]

What a teacher, what a foster parent, what a dad, and what a great team they make. So glad this all worked out. No matter how bad things get sometimes, one way or another, life finds a way to unfold in your favour.

[@candykanefpv]

I'm adopted. These kinds of stories mean a whole lot to me.

[@latinguy67]

I hope your adopted family surrounded you with love and more love

[@allief2000]

“Do you know how many pencils I went through this year?” “Way more than you should’ve?” “Yeah.” Sounds like a father-son relationship already lol

[@Eleahchris]

What a beautiful story. I'm crying over here. Thank you for sharing your story. {Numbers 6:24-26}

[@lauramedne9751]

My dad died when I was 13 and this video made me cry

[@t_aco1812]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@lauriesthought1231]

The best story to start off Father's Day weekend! You guys make a great father and son team! Congratulations!!

[@localuna4953]

I LOVE these stories! THese are the stories we NEED right now! Thank you so much for giving me back a small piece of my faith in humanity!

[@dannypants5965]

Such a great story!!! Humans can love each other!

[@gailthomas2631]

You two are amazing....by the way how many pencils was it???

[@dankisourisrex3867]

This man is a teacher and from my knowledge which isn’t much I’ll admit but teachers don’t get paid anything and this man is single handedly taking in a student with many medical needs which are not cheap in the slightest this man is a true hero

[@dr.temperancebrennan]

My teacher marked me absent because I had a different hair color than the day before

[@rxhaan_786]

13 yrs old he doesn’t look 13

[@DADVICETV]

Love this story - what an amazing and caring teacher.

[@null841]

I watch these videos when I’m on my period so that I can cry at good things in humanity and get my feelings out lmao

[@lewischinquita4278]

GOD IS GOOD.

[@Nia-ix5we]

This is really sweet like wtf 😥 i wish i had a teacher like that lmao

[@victoriawalker3891]

My prayers are with you Damien feel better soon sweet heart

[@hellopeople5600]

Awww such an adorable story ☺️

[@scrappycatz]

How could someone not like this video? This is awesome!

[@michellewarren5593]

As a woman sho suffers from a rare kidney disease in both kidneys, this made me so emotional. Nobody should ever have to do it alone. That man, that new father, that Math teacher... Isn't going anywhere. I truly believe this sweet boy found his family. I love this story.

[@persialaceny]

Wow such a beautiful story you are an angel 👼

[@kaboom6980]

omg this is literally my favourite video in forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love that math teacher

[@damiengarbutt7229]

Steve Hartman knows how to tell these heart string thugging stories. 😭

[@cld244]

One thing they don't mention is the fact the kid shouldn't need to have been adopted to get a kidney.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

He had the surgery as a foster. What the med requirement was that he needed to be in a stable foster or family (either way) environment after the surgery otherwise it's not going to go well. That's one of the major requirements to be considered for organ transplants. Organs are not plentiful and not to be wasted. So prioritization is geared to those with more viable successful outcomes. He's not adopted yet as of the posting. The state is responsible for the med expense, etc., as a foster child. But I think it becomes the adopters' when not a foster anymore. Somehow I don't think it's within a teacher's budget, sorry to say.

[@adrunkgorillawithalobotomy353]

@@dianemoonstone4715 Pretty sure Finn will find a way to make it work. He's not going to give the kid up just because of financial challenges.

[@shirleysavage7725]

To GOD be the glory. Beautiful people all around us

[@ryanjhenry2493]

To the teacher who stepped in to help, be the Glory.

[@constantcharity]

Dude this kid is co smart and well spoken!! He’s going places for sure!

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

He is such a cool kid! His new Dad is pretty awesome too. 💞

[@aigisloveriswhattheycallme9005]

Me as the teacher: “Bro that’s crazy” *walks away*

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

this is the most adorable story ever, poor boy has been let down before. glad he has someone like his teacher in his life.

[@scottn322]

Faith in humanity restored, haha. Seems like a great guy.

[@papasmurf1904]

If your eyes don't water and you are not blown off your feet by this remarkable story.....then, you are not human! Good people still exist....even in our messed-up world today! =)

[@dicuteness7027]

I love this!!!! Made me cry. I'm towards buy a house to adopt kids. It's been a desire of mine since childhood. This guy is amazing!!! What a great family!

[@privacyvalued4134]

I saw a crime in this story being committed: Green pepper joining bacon in a frying pan. Ruining perfectly good bacon.... But seriously, way to go new dad. I wish most parents would adopt first before having their own children. If most people did that, the foster care system would be quite devoid of kids and teens and society would be a better place.

[@animalhouseIZ]

More stories like this one. Awesome just awesome. Best of luck to them both on this new journey

[@VioletJoy]

What a personality! I would have fallen in love with him too! What a good guy to take him in. ❤❤❤

[@smellyzeeks2311]

These two are spectacular! The math teacher has a Huge heart❤️

[@BigDiamondGames]

My Math Teachers Would Pester Me Over Getting The Math Wrong But never Actually Care To Help... Not All Math Teachers Are Bad. We Need More Caring People Like This In The World, As Many Children Need A Parent Or Just Someone To Care For Them. 👪💎

[@christineroush9136]

What an awesome story. We need more people in the world like the math teacher. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story.

[@charitymachiela9754]

As a veteran in foster care for 17 years - my eyes are bawling. I was in one home for 12 years, loved by my amazing foster mom. Unfortunately, when she passed away - the foster family just kinda distant themselves from me in my 20's and 30's which shocked me to the core. There were all I knew. Now I have Jesus and my church and my husband and 2 children. It's all good.

[@mallorylemaster980]

This is amazing 🥰🥰😍😍

[@ninakupchenko5744]

Wow what a beautiful outcome. Bless you both

[@peppers8489]

Wow! They seem like the perfect match for each other. I think they will be as perfect a family as is possible.

[@tggorudon2551]

Dude's a weeb and a math teacher? Society truly is a blessing

[@daddareyeskings9624]

wish everyone was like him God bless them both! yes he needs a GoFundMe asap

[@influidx5188]

We don't need more people like this we want more people like this

[@smiles1232]

Omg what a amazing story Bless them both That teacher is a angel

[@jesussaves1827]

To everyone reading this please turn to Jesus He loves you and wants to save you, He is the God of miracles, The bible tells us in Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, I seen God do amazing things in my life and in the lifes of people I know, He can do the same for you, In your darkness hour call on Him, God saved someone I love from an illness leading to death, There is nothing impossible to God, Its as simple as asking Jesus into your heart to be your personal Lord and Saviour, Jesus will answer you, I know this because He answered me when I called out to Him

[@kathiepadilla4450]

God is Good 🌻 What a wonderful story. Happy Happy God Blessed Father's Day To You 💛

[@ryanjhenry2493]

Where was God when the kid was rejected over and over again and refused a kidney? The teacher deserves the praise.

[@EchoSpinxK47]

I’m crying this is too much to handle😭😭😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺My Heart broke

[@igotbandaids]

They look like their personalities match, huh.

[@josiemiller7001]

I was fostered by this one family and then I got kicked out the next day but now I have a family that adopted me and I feel like I have a safe home and that I’m not being treated like I came out of a orphanage even though I really was. I am living my happy life like Finn is today. I’m so sorry that happened to you Finn and I’m glad that you have a home and a father that truly cares about you! And know that you got a brand new kidney and you can live a successful life I’m proud of you❤️♾

[@sahirygnobehi6448]

To the four dislike.. why. Don’t you have souls 🤭

[@shygirlnow2011]

that kid is cool but then so is his teacher. Good luck to both of them! they make a great pair!

[@unfocusedsenior8002]

Great looking family! Good luck!!

[@Sallymartin83]

The world needs more teachers like this guy. What a hero

[@rrbabygirrl4822]

So sweet. Thanks to this teacher. What a wonderful young man.

[@wowohwow7380]

This man is a SAINT Ellen put him on your show give them 20k or something to help them out this man and child deserve it