When “Ramblin’ Ray” Stevens pulled over to ask a young man if he needed a ride, he had no idea he was about to make such a big difference in the stranger’s life.
The radio DJ was on his way to work when he saw 20-year-old Braxton Mayes walking down the road. He didn’t think much of it at first and went about his day. But when he passed the young man a second time, he stopped to see if there was anything he could do.
Braxton was hesitant at first, but he got in the car and let Ray drive him the 10 remaining miles he would have walked to work. They started talking, and Ray discovered just how much walking Braxton had been doing.
Recently, Braxton’s 2006 GMC truck broke down. Still needing to get to work, he began walking there. That meant walking for a total of 24 miles and six hours a day. He had to leave his home at 4 a.m. in order to arrive on time at 7 a.m.
Despite his situation, Braxton remained positive. Thanks to his incredible work ethic, he didn’t mind the walk too much. He said, “It’s just one of those things where you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Despite Braxton’s good attitude, Ray couldn’t sit back and do nothing. He quickly created a GoFundMe to raise money to repair Braxton’s truck ASAP. Any leftover funds would be donated to Chicago area food banks.
Within only a couple of days, over $4,000 was donated – enough to get Braxton’s truck repaired! Braxton had to wait a few more days to start driving again, but until then, his employer gave him a ride.
“It brought me to tears,” Braxton said. “I didn’t know when I would come up with the money to fix it or how many times I would have to walk.”
Now, Braxton officially has his truck back! While he’s thrilled, a ride to work wasn’t the only thing he gained from this experience. According to Ray, he plans on taking Braxton and his family out to dinner so they can get to know each other more.
“I’m a better man for knowing [him],” Ray said.
We’re so glad Braxton was able to get the help he needed so quickly! And we’re thankful that there are people like Ray out there, who are willing to take the time to help others!
Don’t forget to share Braxton’s story with your friends to make them smile.
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