Mom leaving a doctor's appointment with her special needs son gets surprised from a Secret Santa

#eastidahonews #secretsanta #surprise
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season.
Alesia is an amazing wife and mom of four children and one angel baby. In April 2021, their family was blessed with a tiny blessing they named Briggs. He had struggles from the beginning and spent a couple of weeks in the NICU before being able to come home.
After enduring many trips to doctors and hospitals for sickness and testing, and being intubated and flown to Utah for a month long stay in the PICU (where we weren’t sure he would survive), they finally got results of a brain and genetic disorder that will consist of life-long challenges. At 2 ½ years old, he is learning to walk but is not verbal. He has weekly physical, occupational, and speech therapies where he has had to learn the simplest things like how to sit up and he is learning sign language to communicate. He is strictly G-tube fed with food or liquids orally and wears oxygen when sleeping.
With all of his struggles, he is the happiest child and is always smiling. Along with all of this, Alesia finds time to serve others, her church and community along with working two part-time jobs and taking care of her other three children. She is the first one to take food to others, served many years in PTO and other school functions, and organized and oversaw youth sports programs. She does anything she can to help when and where there is a need.
Alesia's husband is a farm manager working a lot of hours to provide for their family. When he isn’t busy at work, he is a volunteer EMT and firefighter for the city of Aberdeen and also a volunteer with Bingham County Search and Rescue.
Living near Aberdeen it is a huge cost for fuel for the many weekly trips to appointments and other activities over 40 miles. They also have many other costs for specialized food, medical supplies and other needs.
Secret Santa asked us to track Alesia down and deliver an early Christmas gift. We found her at the doctor's office! Watch the surprise in the video player above.

[@professor8583]

These videos drop in Britain at 7am and I sit here with a coffee and start my day with them. I have been watching them for years. Each video makes me happy to be alive and grateful that this Secret Santa can wave his magic money wand and change so many people's lives. God bless her or him. I am also always amazed at how flat and empty Idaho is! Who cuts those giant lawns! And when the snow starts, wow - that puts you in a Christmas mood.

[@MaioFourpaws]

Inverse of me. They drop here at 2am in Ontario, Canada. I end my day with them. It’s the last thing a see before I drift off to sleep. 💤

[@americafirst9144]

It makes me proud to be an American. You can get a similar feeling. Go hand out hot chocolate to the homeless. Or buy them gloves. Go to the electric company and pay the bill for someone about to get their electricity turned off. Spread the love.

[@xo2quilt]

Idaho has some beautiful mountains, it's just that this part of Idaho is flatter than all the rest! Being a mostly rural state, Idaho does look empty, especially when compared to England! We love having room to breathe! Although the rock and hedge fences in rural England captured my heart when I visited!! About the lawns, we all cut our own but I haven't seen a really big lawn - mine takes me almost 2 hours to mow, and it's not really all that big to me.

[@50sRockChick]

Me too. Such a lovely way to start the day.

[@essyjae]

Aw, love that! It's so amazing how Secret Santa's kindness brightens the day for so many people, near and far, and all around the world! For us, they drop about midnight - it's a great way to end the day. Also, don't be deceived - much of Idaho is actually not flat at all, but very mountainous! Empty, though, yes, with lots of wilderness. The southern and eastern parts of our state, Secret Santa's region, are the flatter parts, as compared to our mountainous central and northern regions. The snow does put you in a Christmas mood for sure - surprisingly we haven't had much yet this year! God bless!!

[@qreeneyez916]

As someone who has a kid with Autism, thank you Secret Santa. You made mama feel loved 😊

[@erinmyers8603]

Yes! I get excited when my fellow special needs parents get a surprise from secret Santa 🎅

[@sarahcrain8083]

Hang in there, momma. My son just turned 36. He survived brain surgery at age four. He has had seizures all his life. He has mild CP, autism and fractured his spine multiple times due to severe osteoporosis. At age thirty, he eared his black belt in martial arts. He is 6'5" and joined a workout facility over a year ago. He has ranked top in his class on a few competitions. My son has done things that his doctors never dreamed possible. I am here to let you know that it can get better. God bless you.

[@helenbogaard7292]

@@sarahcrain8083 God Bless you tooooo 😘😘😘

[@mikegarippo7815]

The word "autism" doesn't get capitalized.

[@qreeneyez916]

@@mikegarippo7815 I don’t give a crap.

[@lynnda8764]

That little 'hi' from Briggs ... the absolute sweetest thing ever!

[@tessasable-eo4os]

I live in France and have been watching these videos along with many other people around the world. Nate Eaton is wonderful as are the members of the Secret Santa team. Nate has been nominated for the Emmy awards in the past and he he long overdue to win one. This very busy man took the time to personally respond to an email that I sent to him in order to thank him for making so many people happy. I cherish that email and will keep it as a reminder to be kind to others as this team does. ❤

[@donnab1055]

💜

[@owens5737]

❤❤ from Vancouver Canada

[@susanfontaine5214]

Happy Holidays from NY state ! 🎅🏻🎄⛄️❄️

[@AngelSanchez.thereshope]

Sending love from WACO TX

[@derekwalters4980]

Briggs is absolutely ADORABLE!!! This family is so blessed to have Briggs, and Briggs to have them. God doesn't make mistakes, this was all part of his great plan. Sometimes we don't always see things the way God probably does, but we just have faith and know that it is absolutely the way it is supposed to be. My son is 36 yrs old, still looks like he's 12yrs old, still lives at home, he doesn't walk, talk, feed or toilet by himself, my son is also blind and deaf and medically fragile, but I just can't imagine my life without him. Special needs folks bring a different kind of beauty to life, but the beauty is there none the less, you just have to open your heart and your mind to be able to receive the beauty and the love that you were especially chose to be a part of. It might make our walk in life a bit (or quite a bit) different than typical, but no less valuable and wonderful.

[@Jane-West]

Your child is so lucky to be in such a loving home! May God richly bless you all and Merry Christmas!

[@MJLover100]

He is very cute

[@r.r911]

I wouldn't say they're blessed to have a child with genetics disformities and will forever need assistance, like your son. Let's not pretend here. But you have to make the best of whatever situation that is handed to you!

[@MelissaNoble-dl2gb]

God bless your family, too We learn so much from what we think are problems. I agree God doesn't make mistakes! One lesson we can learn is stop whining over the small stuff. ❤

[@nicklager1666]

What a lovely little sunshine the kid was. No wonder it is easier to go through all apointments when the child is glad. Almost looked like a summer day.

[@1962pjh]

Such a great mom. My heart melted when Briggs said "Hi".

[@ScalexCzech]

Yes, especially when Nate talked about Briggs being a non-talker - you can see he's really making progress despite the odds.

[@deborjhablackwell6162]

Yessss!!! I actually said it back to him followed by, “Yaaaaayyyy” ❤❤❤

[@linziherbert965]

Here in South Australia I watch them in the early evening. These surprises bring such joy, not just to the recipients, but to us around the world. 🌏

[@justmejenny7986]

Briggs saying hi was so sweet.

[@dianehulet789]

He's adorable! Wishing the best of everything for little guy and his family!

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

What a little cutie! Secret Santa your generosity will help this family so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@yvettethomas5533]

GOD Bless Secret Santa!!!! Truely a blessing and a wonderful human!!!!!!! We love you Secret Santa!!! And we love you too Nate!!! Much love to everyone!! Merry Christmas!!!

[@corinnebunetto1296]

As a mom I know how much that is going to help her what a true blessing I'm so happy for her well thank you Idaho news and all the people that help with this God bless you ❤️

[@houchi69]

Such a deserving family. When he said "hi" and smiled, my heart melted.

[@timothyharris377]

A 60 year old guy lost it when that precious child smiled!.

[@ONNpankaj]

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

[@marypscreationsandmoreprog4316]

How sweet What a beautiful angel Thank you Secret Santa for all the joy and love you bring to others. God bless you

[@joeheid2776]

What an adorable little boy.

[@nattamused9074]

I love it! Most people don’t understand how challenging it is to the ENTIRE family, yes, siblings too, when there’s a new little addition who needs extra medical care. I hope this family is greatly encouraged!

[@laserwizard2]

Such a precious child - he actually said "hi" - I almost lost it. Bless the Secret Santa and this family!

[@brendawise4365]

God bless secret Santa for his sweetness and generosity. Earth Angel , to watch over his children in need. God's amazing Grace 🙏😉

[@abubbamundt100]

That hair, the smile and his speaking skills. He's one incredible kid.

[@Lisa-rqt]

The little boy is so adorable. Family is well deserving of Secret Santa's gift.

[@Annie-ZA]

AWEEEEEEE!!! Thank you dearest Secret SANTA for gifting this gorgeous little boy and his family! 🎄🎅🎁🤗🥰😍😘 GOD BLESS YOU ALLLLL! 🙏 South Africa 🌍🦁

[@theendorsement]

Briggs was such a great helper! Secret Santa does it again. Tears in the morning coffee. Perfect start to the day.

[@Backstagemom3701]

So sweet. This is the way I start my day. God is alive and he is good. Bless you❤

[@kens.3729]

Beautiful Choice. Briggs is Adorable. The Optimism is Huge when you’re Struggling through Life. 👍🙏

[@nanapaintsil5891]

Such an adorable little boy. Thank you mummy for the love. Thanks Secret Santa. Thanks Nate and the crew. You make the world beautiful ❤❤..love from Ghana🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@cherylf.4616]

Bless this little one and their family Thank You Secret Santa 🎅 🤶 🧑‍🎄 for all you do for families in need!

[@joemacinnis1972]

The love of a mother has no bounds

[@loveforeignaccents]

OMG, he really is adorable, and I'm glad he is improving with time. I wish him all the best with his future health and functioning. He certainly is in the right hands with his wonderful mother and obviously caring and loving father, as well as all of the people that are providing him care. I loved her additional write-in letter at the end, too. Thank you, Secret Santa!!

[@judys5638]

God bless this beautiful child with improved health, he is so precious. Amazing story, thank you Secret Santa and all who make these videos possible.

[@christinevankammen6109]

My family is watching from the Netherlands, these visits bring us such joy, love and hope especially with everything that is going on in the world now. ❤

[@owens5737]

❤ from Vancouver Canada

[@leahfajutagana5038]

Im from the Philippines and I been watching for years now. Sometimes it made me cry. I thank God for all the gifts each year to people in need. God bless you more secret Santa

[@monicakimsey5664]

What a sweet mom and precious Briggs has the best smile! I pray even more blessings on their family.

[@leiilima808]

Merry Christmas Alesia, Briggs and family🎄🎄🎄Briggs is perfect and healed in Jesus💖 Sending you warm hugs, blessings and aloha from Hilo, Hawaiʻi🌺🌺🌺

[@susanstancliff2937]

Christmas is so much more special with Secret Santa stories! You not only bring hope to these people you bring hope to all who are watching! Thank you Secret Santa and Nate and everyone involved!🙏❤️

[@BonnieKetterman-qw8vd]

Praying for this dear family what a blessing

[@river8760]

Briggs is super cute! So happy this family got these gifts. 😀

[@thefadedone8192]

Man, that Briggs kid is too dang cute! To know him is to love him, I bet! Good job, mom! Keep going!

[@mrs.m5832]

I’ve started calling these folgers stories because they have become the best part of waking up. Thank you East Idaho News and Secret Santa!

[@jenniferjenson6294]

I know Alisha and her wonderful son! I don't see then often but what a joy her son is! So deserving! Thanks Secret Santa!

[@markshard]

we don't realize how easy it is to be kind to one another

[@sandydaniels2668]

Secret Santa is a blessing for so many people.

[@will_9342]

As I live in France, I don't really follow East Idaho news very much. I do, however, come here to watch these videos every year during Xmas. Lovely heartwarming stories. Seeing deserving people being helped lifts the spirits in these troubled times. Idaho can be proud.

[@maulenaspencer4906]

What an adorable little kid, and he looks like he's doing so well.

[@skywalkerranch]

God bless all involved. May they have a lovely Christmas. Thank you, Nate and team, and of course, Secret Santa. A truly deserving family.

[@bekind1325]

There's not many of these secret Santa's I don't tear up ... thank you

[@heathercole7564]

I am watching this from Australia, wonderful heart rendering stories…thank you secret Santa.❤️

[@judieloveday1643]

So many of us Aussies here. I wish one of our TV stations would do this.

[@maddieadams75]

Thank you Secret Santa, Nate & EIN crew. Little Briggs is adorable. ⛄️🎄❄️🎅🕯️🙏❤️💚🤍🦌9

[@gladysfenick993]

Autism is so misunderstood by many who do not understand it . These Children are so special with special abilities . I to had a son with Autism . I was not familiar with it until he was diagnosed . But he was so capable of many things . I'm happy you helped this Family . He is a cutie .

[@ds0509]

As a special education teacher this video warms my heart

[@twisterwiper]

These videos are such a treat after a stressful workday! Father to a boy with autism myself. Watching from Denmark. Thanks for spreading so much joy and positivity ❤

[@joeski1306]

These are my favorite videos to watch. I look forward to them every year. This is exactly the type of thing I would do if I had the money. Wish there were more people like this. I hope Secret Santa knows that he/she is touching the lives of more than just the people in these videos.

[@elainegoodchild9897]

Watching from Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦. Thank you Nate, EIN team and Secret Santa. Your compassionate professional journalism is truly refreshing in such a dark world.

[@perijetton9275]

God bless her, she’s one of the good ones. ❤🎄

[@user-vm9ot2sn2w]

Love watching the surprises from Canberra Australia. :)

[@kristinalarue3866]

I would just love to hug the person that donates the money to help all these families in need.

[@emily3]

I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I truly love Christmas time. This exemplifies the Christmas spirit to me. And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Nate is the PERFECT person for this job. I’ve heard him say multiple times “oh well it’s not me, im just the messenger” when people thank him. He makes sure it’s about the gift recipient, and when necessary he makes sure the person knows it’s from secret Santa. He never takes credit for anything. He deserves credit though.

[@countrymom2023]

I'm so happy for them such a precious little man ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@brendawise4365]

Thank you for letting us share in your wonderful blessings. God continue to bless you and your family.

[@dianna8626]

On you tube you are seeing more and more kindness. Across the US there are lanscapers that are doing yards free. People taking some of their profit and reaching out to the homeless. Employees pitching in to help co workers. Can you imagine what this country would be if we all did something.

[@briantrout7343]

Just in time for the new Secret Santa video this morning

[@loveforeignaccents]

Hope the two of you get back to sleep rather quickly... sweet dreams!

[@SpeckszDaBoss]

Give it some nyquill

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@SpeckszDaBoss Don't be daft.

[@Gyaa.]

My favourite time of the year on KZbin. Watching Nate and his team bringing joy to people during the holidays.

[@oiaiofoster4775]

Hello From Shreveport Louisiana. I've been Watching Nate & The Awesome Idaho News Crew for Years!!!! I Truly Wish that We have A Feel Good Friday & Especially Secret Santa because We So Needed it!!!!! But God Bless This Humbled Mom, Her Beautiful Son & Their Whole Family!!!! Northwest Louisiana & Southern Louisiana are So Well Divided!!!!!

[@janicecanfield9211]

Best part was Briggs saying HI. Gas and food prices being nutso as they are,, these gifts mean a lot. Love Nate, EIN and Secret Santa 🎅

[@joerogers415]

Nate,there is a special place in heaven for all the Secret Santa’s,your family and crew.God Bless.

[@mikegarippo7815]

Where did you learn to use an apostrophe to pluralize "Santa"?

[@sharonott7513]

What a cute little boy. (I want that hair!) God bless this family.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

This mom, Alesia, and her husband do so much for others thank you Secret Santa.

[@thebigjimster]

I love these videos! Makes you feel good!

[@cherylb6755]

Love is a choice. Alesia, Briggs, and their family are a beautiful personification of Love. May I wish them all the very best of Holidays and a future so bright they are almost blinded by the Light. I love these, East Idaho News. Thank you to you and Secret Santa❣️🎄💫🎆🎉

[@robsin2810]

One special kid, in the good way.👍🇦🇺🙏

[@MadderMel]

I'm from Fishponds , Bristol in England ! Watched this show for a couple of years now ! Everything about it is just wonderful ! Nate is brilliant !! So nice ! So sincere ! And his team !

[@XaTiDa]

That little man is ADORABLE! Loved his little "Hi"!

[@southpawdj]

I watch (and cry) every video here from my small town in WV. You do so much good I hope you this grows so big you reach the whole world. Thank you for having humanity at heart. I see a lot of people but, not enough humanity.

[@southernwaysdesign7744]

Secret Santa Seeing That Gorgeous Smile on Briggs Face Should Make You Feel So Good to Put That Smile On Briggs Face and remind yourself This Is Why I do What I Do To See A Family Happy That needs It in their Lives ... ❤️Thank you Secret Santa Seeing Briggs Smile Had Me In Tears , Tears Of Happiness ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sherireuther3047]

God bless this family. God bless Secret Santa.🙏🔥❤️🫂🙋‍♀️

[@roseann5562]

Oh, how sweet is this precious little boy! So cute, blowing them a kiss at the end. May God bless this special family!

[@Michelle-ce1qh]

Instant tears the second he gave that little HI. Bless that sweet little guy.

[@abigailrose5993]

This was SO very kind I have been watching you and your family Nate for a long time but this is my first time commenting. I LOVE when you do these and this family definitely deserves all the love and support. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 🎅🏼🤶🏻❤🎄to you & your family Nate.

[@pissedoffmarine7908]

When Briggs said HI, that made my day!

[@kensmylie6606]

What a beautiful child. God Bless this wonderful family.

[@littlebug1026]

so sweet!!!!

[@valerielihou5494]

Bless Briggs’s heart! Know that care and love are being sent to you from ❤️🇨🇦❤️! Merry Christmas!

[@anmarsalih6038]

Its 7AM here overseas in Iraq. I like to start my day with your videos, it gives me positive energy that I need to start my day. Good bless you guys.

[@Monkeytoucher01]

God Bless you Secret Santa

[@Marcie0613]

I can only take these videos in small doses because I cry every time. Amazingly Beautiful! The humanity of Secret Santa, Nate & East Idaho News is breathtaking.

[@-greentoad]

That little boy is absolutely adorable. I wish him and his family the best. They don't have to worry about gas among other things all thanks to secret Santa

[@Nimue56]

Awwww, what a beautiful little boy. Be well Briggs and Merry Christmas

[@blazedenigma]

🎅💞💓🌎💞 grateful and appreciative to Secret Santa, Nate and all his crew. This time of year you all give such a profound heartfelt pick me up when a spirit needs it. Keep spreading the Love. Sincerely thank you..

[@ohsuzanna3223]

God bless this precious little nugget and his sweet family. God bless Secret Santa. 🩷

[@donotrobme9295]

Keep going mom and dad! As a father who’s child took many years into his childhood to walk and tan and use his fingers ( he still has room to grow) we can’t believe how far along he is now. Although these children all have their things, u r doing a wonderful job of enjoying his strengths and helping him through his life’s struggles. Keep it up. It’s anazing the community of friends we get

[@mikegarippo7815]

Spell it this way: whose, not "who's."

[@donotrobme9295]

@@mikegarippo7815 no !#%* Sherlock. But ya, that’s why we’re all here is to see if text to talk is grammatically correct. Thank yu four the help

[@boskee]

What a beautiful young boy. May he and his family live their best lives. Wishing them all the best.

[@debcarpenter8519]

I can't imagine the shock or other feelings the recipients feel when they've been surprised. I'm sure it's hard to be expressive right at that moment. I commend this mom and the few others that have sent messages and photos(Briggs is such a joy!) once they have gotten home, taken a deep breath, and the emotions have settled down. Happy Holidays!!

[@westiedad9481]

Briggs is such a beautiful child. His bright smile warms my heart and has made my day. What a lovely video. ❤

[@user-zn6id8dj9g]

What a wonderful blessing you are to all of these people. God Bless You for doing this.

[@kaycampbell8532]

Beautiful, sweet baby.....God bless him forever!💋💕

[@bluejedi723]

Sometimes all it take to be a hero is a simply being kind.

[@MelissaNoble-dl2gb]

Briggs! You are awesome! What a wonderful mom who is doing everything she can to help him. And a good father who works so hard. Praying for you all! 🙏 God sent this precious boy! And he is inspiring ❤

[@debbirbodner5358]

Thanks to Secret Santa alot of people are blessed beyond words. From Montana Lady🙏🙏🙏 their prayers are being heard.

[@annegallagher]

People get so overwhelmed with these gifts. I can’t imagine what goes through their heads. I mean why would someone be so generous? Who is it? Something magical about it all. .. What a wonderful thing to do… YNWA.