Cancer Patient Gets Christmas Surprise In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA – It didn't seem like 20-year-old Lester Pirir had much to celebrate this holiday season. A bone cancer patient at UCLA Santa Monica, Pirir had to have his knee and lower leg amputated. In and out of the hospital for seven months, he's struggled with the enormity of his loss. It's hard for him not to think about all the things he used to take for granted, things like going for a hike.

However, Pirir received a big holiday surprise when gifts and home goods such as a Playstation 4 were delivered to his hospital room, CBS LA reported. UCLA Santa Monica teamed up with Target and non-profit Connecting a Caring Community to make his holiday season merry and bright. The gesture meant so much to Pirir and his family.

“It felt like I hit rock bottom because I used be healthy. I used to go hiking and now I can barely do anything,” Pirir told CBS LA, choking back tears.

But the surprise gifts bolstered his spirit as he continues to fight for his health.

"This really made my day. It made my Christmas," he said.

Before he was diagnosed with cancer, Pirir worked full-time as a chef and was the financial rock of the family while his mom stayed home to watch his sisters. The group also brought presents for Pirir's family as well.

His mom said "it was a blessing," and his sister said it was "overwhelming" to receive a surprise of that caliber.

“To watch a family so in need and to know that they are so grateful that we are here really brought tears to my eyes,” Lisa Kodimer, from Connecting a Caring Community, told CBS LA.

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