PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The family of a suburban Philadelphia boy with cerebral palsy, famously blessed by Pope Francis upon his arrival to the City of Brotherly Love, has received nearly $100,000 in support through crowdfunding.
The Washington Post reports (http://wapo.st/1QnIY7u ) the Keating family, in need of a new van, was urged by relatives to set up a donation page following 10-year-old Michael’s newfound fame.
Kristin Keating, who has undergone two hernia surgeries from lifting her 70-pound son, says she reluctantly agreed.
After word about the family spread, the donations climbed as high as $94,000 — including a $50,000 pledge from Hollywood director J.J. Abrams and his wife.
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Abrams, the director of the upcoming Star Wars film, says he was moved by the Keating family’s “grace, strength and commitment to each other.”