MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (NewsNation Now) — A Tennessee teen with cerebral palsy, who’s known for sitting outside his house surrounded by signs that say “Honk if you’re happy,” received a gift from singer Justin Timberlake just in time for Thanksgiving.
Jake Stitt’s family had launched a fundraiser in hopes of raising money to buy a wheelchair-accessible van for the 17-year-old. On Wednesday, the family learned that Timberlake purchased the van, so that any additional funds raised will go toward the family’s ongoing medical expenses.
Timberlake told Jake the news himself over a Zoom call, and the van was later delivered in a parade right outside his house.
“He caught the story and was just very touched with what was going on with this thing and he wanted to reach out and decided that he wanted to purchase the van for Jacob and his needs,” Tim Stitt told NewsNation affiliate WJHL. “It was just a very blessing to be able to speak to that gentleman and for him to be able to meet Jake and see what he needed.”
Tim Stitt said the gift is going to make their lives so much easier because of the independence it’ll give Jake.
“It was a blessing and God bless,” Jake told WJHL.
Tim Stitt expressed their gratitude this holiday season.
“God’s always provided for us and we keep our faith and we’re thankful everyday,” he said. “It is a true meaning to Thanksgiving and all that’s happened and stuff and it’s a blessing to our family to make us be able to have peace and relax more and not have to have worries is amazing. It’s very humbling.”