Brighton — Ed Bambas, 88, choked back tears Friday, saying he wished his late wife could be there as he received a donation of more than $1.7 million from online well-wishers.

"I cannot express any words to how thankful I am," Bambas said during a check presentation in the lobby at Foguth Financial Group in Brighton.

The money was raised via an online fundraiser launched by Samuel Weidenhofer, a YouTuber, TikToker, blogger, and Instagram personality. Weidenhofer met Bambas while the octogenarian was working his shift in the Meijer in Brighton.

Weidenhofer thanked all the donors for helping make the early Christmas present to Bambas a reality.

"It's an honor to do this," Weidenhofer said, "a dream come true."

Weidenhofer posted a video of their initial meeting on social media, whi

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