Over $100k Donated To Local Boy Blessed By Pope

The family of the boy from Chester County with cerebral palsy, who was blessed by Pope Francis in Philadelphia in September in an unforgettable public gesture, is the beneficiary of global generosity.

The family of Michael Keating, 10, has received over $100,000 through online crowdfunding.

Their Crowd Rise page includes the following message:

So many people have reached out to the friends and family of Michael Keating to share in the excitement of his blessing from Pope Francis. Many have asked if the Keating’s could use any help. As transporting Michael is always a challenge, a handicap van has been on their wish list for years. The current handicap accessible vehicle that was donated to them by a family friend is in need of a working ramp and has other maintenance issues. We are raising money to put towards a new handicap accessible vehicle and any other expenses for Michael’s care.

That includes a $50k donation from J.J. Abrams and his wife, the Washington Post reported.

A total of $112,350 had been raised as of Wednesday afternoon.

For the incredible backstory, please see this piece in the Roxborough Patch.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Gidjunis/World Meeting of Families