BOCA RATON, Fla. — A South Florida mother who's struggling financially this holiday season put those struggles aside to help a little girl who's battling cancer.
A woman named Ann made a generous gesture last weekend while shopping at DXL, a clothing store located at 2301 Glades Rd. in Boca Raton.
"I lost everything, the house I was in, and I have been trying to get back on my feet, and it has been a constant struggle," said Ann.
But that struggle, Ann said, could be a lot worse.
DXL takes donations every year for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This year, the Boca Raton store is raising money for a little girl named Gracie, who has bone cancer.
"My heart goes out to her, it really does," said Ann.
The Boca Raton mom was shopping at DXL on Saturday when she saw a sign with Gracie's story.
That story hit close to home for Ann. She lost both her parents to cancer, and since then, she's fallen on hard times, fighting to find a permanent home and job.
Despite having those difficulties, Ann donated the rest of her change, $6.30, to St. Jude for Gracie.
"I know I am struggling, but I can't even imagine that I am struggling half as much as what her family is going through," said Ann.
Even though she's going through tough times herself, Ann said she didn't think twice about donating to Gracie's recovery.
"I would do it again," said Ann. "You have to help, because if everyone said no, no one would get help."
Employees in the store were so impressed by Ann's generosity, they, along with a customer in the store, pooled their money together and gave her more than $300.
"Love and kindness, it just cant be replaced," said Kiki Biscuiti, who works at DXL. "If everyone had that in their heart, it would be a wonderful world."
"I have to try and pay forward whatever I can," said Ann.
To donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, click here.