A teenager with such massive feet he struggled to find shoes that fit him was "flabbergasted" to recieve a heartwarming surprise from NBA basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal.
14-year-old Eric Kilburn Jr. from Michigan made headlines recently when he and his family went public with their struggle. With an estimated foot size of 23, Eric had been unable to find any comfortable shoes that would allow him to play football and basketball, his two favourite sports.
After the story was picked up by news outlets across the country, companies started offering their help and advice.
Under Armour and Puma both offered to custom-make shoes for Eric's feet, and Reebok even sent five pairs of size 22 shoes that they had originally created for Shaq.
Eric, who had been wearing uncomfortable size 20 Nikes, was over the moon with his newfound options, and with Shaq, who called him personally to offer his support, in an incredible turn of events.
Many suggested that the Kilburns should reach out to Shaq, who is known for his kindness and generosity.
And to everyone's surprise, Shaq did indeed take notice of Eric's plight.
"I was flabbergasted. My soul left my body for a moment, I was so shocked" - in reference to Shaquille O'Neal calling him.
In a phone call to the Kilburn family, Shaq told Eric that he had faced a similar struggle when he was his age.
He advised him to listen to his parents and also shared some wisdom that has helped him become successful.
“Shaq said he made $900 million by listening to his mom and dad, so he told me to listen to my parents,” Eric said.
Eric's mother Rebecca Kilburn said that she had never seen her son smile so much. "It’s tough to get a smile from a teen, but he is over the moon thrilled and blown away with options for shoes," she said.
And the surprises kept coming. Shaq texted Eric to say that there was more on the way and that he loved him. Eric said that this was the ultimate gift.
“When he and I were texting about shoes, (Shaq) said, ‘There’s much more coming, big man. Love you,’” Eric said. “This is the ultimate.”
