Stranger raises funds for single mother with MS

Times have been tough for Nichole Snyder.

The 29-year-old Palmerton mother has progressive multiple sclerosis, a disease that interferes with the brain’s ability to operate bodily functions. Her condition leaves her weak, shaky and in pain, often to the point where she cannot get out of bed. She is essentially trapped in her own home without a handicap ramp. Medical bills are piling up, and there are sure to be more in the future. Without assistance, she may even be forced to move into a nursing home.

But thanks to the efforts of one good Samaritan, Snyder is on her way to getting all the help she needs.

“I was trying so hard for donations to spread the word and nothing was working. I was crying on a Facebook video and that’s how Brian (Sebok) saw me, and then he messaged me,” Snyder said.

Sebok had befriended Snyder on social media during one of his previous treks across the country. He said that when he noticed Snyder’s post, he was inspired to do something.

“It disturbed me to see that a single mother was going through that,” Sebok said. “I thought to myself, this girl needs me, and I can help.”

And what better way to raise funds than hitting the road?

Sebok initially decided to strike out on a 300-mile voyage from the doorstep of his Netcong, New Jersey, home to Boston. Logging his journey in Snapchat entries and Facebook posts along the way, Sebok helped hit Snyder’s original goal of $5,000 before he decided to double his efforts.

“At first I, didn’t believe it. I was thinking, ‘Why would a total stranger be willing to do that for someone, especially me?’ And then he interviewed me. We spoke a lot. He gathered all his things for the road and before I knew it, he was on the road. I’m still in complete shock. I’m beyond blessed to have met such an inspiring selfless person,” Snyder said.

Now, Sebok is shooting for $10,000, and extending his voyage by at least another 200 miles. One of his social media followers in New Hampshire offered to throw a fundraising party for the effort as well, so Sebok may make his way to the town of Raymond to help out.

As of Wednesday, Snyder’s GoFundMe page shows more than 200 contributors offering up more than $6,800 of the $10,000 goal.

Some of the money will go toward the installation of the ramp for Snyder’s home, allowing her to stay active and involved in her son’s life, and to pay off medical bills.

Snyder said that without Sebok’s help, her fundraiser would have never even reached the original goal, let alone pass it. And the magnitude of his philanthropic voyage isn’t lost on Snyder, who can’t help but tear up a little when she speaks of him.

“I feel like God had to have sent him to me,” she said. “He’s such a selfless, kindhearted, loving, caring man of his word. We’ve become very close through his journey for me, and I cannot wait to meet him in person and give him the biggest hug ever. Watching his struggles and seeing him push on is so inspiring. He said, ‘I won’t give up on you,’ and he hasn’t. God bless him.”

Those interested in contributing to Snyder’s GoFundMe can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/2nu8bqs.