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I am a moderator at a popular automotive forum.
Over several years time, I began to develop friendships with the forum members, whether it be through general car talk, selling of parts, calling on the phone for technical advice, etc.
After a while, I stopped going to the forum. Several people inquired as to why, and I explained to a handful of members that I had been diagnosed with cancer.
Between the medical expenses, lack of spare time, and some mild depression, I had just lost the will to work on my own car. I had no desire to finish it at all, even though I was very close. The forum members were fairly upset as well, as I had documented virtually everything I had done to the car from square one with some lengthy technical writeups.
Unknown to me, a few of the senior members decided to help me out. They actually started a PayPal donation without my knowing, in an effort to raise enough money for me to finish the car. A ton of people donated, including many who I had never met, spoken to, or even communicated with on the forum. They just read about the situation, and were more than happy to donate. Before I knew it, I had a $1300+ check arrive in my mailbox.
I've never been so greatful for anything in my entire life. And for their sake, I went ahead and finished the car. The one fellow in particular who orchestrated the event is now my best friend, and I'll be meeting him face to face after graduation this summer for the first time.
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