In a heartwarming display of generosity, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently helped a teenager struggling to find shoes that fit his large feet. The teenager, Jor’el Bolden, aged 16, is 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighs about 380 pounds, and wears size 23 shoes.
The teenager had been battling his shoe size issue since he was born. Bolden’s mother said he was born weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and 21 inches long. She noted that even at birth, Bolden had pretty big feet. “We could not find a baby pair of shoes that would fit him because his little foot was so fat,” his mom said.
Due to the extraordinary size of his feet, his mother had faced challenges in finding him shoes that were comfortable and supportive. “We’re doing the 22s, but they’re small,” said his mom. “The shoes are tight on his feet, so we need a bigger size.”
To get shoes in size 23, they’d have to be custom-made, which could cost over a thousand dollars. Bolden’s mom, Tamika Neal, had to start a GoFundMe to buy him comfortable shoes. As of today, the family has raised nearly $12,089.
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The teenager would love to wear cool Nike shoes like Jordans and Air Force Ones, but it’s impossible because of his enormous size. He said finding shoes that fit was very tough and felt like torture. “I have to wear the shoes that hurt my feet,” the teenager told USA Today. “Every time I go out to walk, it hurts my feet.”
Bolden’s story gained attention online, and he was also featured on USA Today. One day, his mother received a message that promised to change their lives. “Entertainment Tonight, they messaged me, and she was like, ‘someone special wants to talk to you,'” his mother told KCTV 5.
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The person who reached out was retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. The towering basketball icon expressed his desire to chat with Bolden and send him a gift. So, he got Bolden’s phone number and arranged a FaceTime call.
Three large boxes arrived at Bolden’s doorstep less than a week later. “It’s better than Christmas morning. Santa didn’t send this, Shaq did,” he told KCTV 5. The boxes were packed with new clothes, fresh shoes, and even Shaq’s collection items. Bolden’s favorite shirt was a Papa John’s shirt from Shaq’s commercials with the company.
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But the most crucial box contained almost 20 pairs of shoes. Shaq wears a size 22 wide, which fits Bolden better than a regular 22, but he believes a size 23 would be more comfortable. “Thank you for taking the time and the money you earned to give me when I needed it,” Bolden said. “Thank you for everything that will come from it and that we already have.”
His mom was also grateful to the NBA giant for the gifts. “They are a big help for now,” she said. “but he will need a bigger shoe eventually, and that’s what this money is for,” Bolden said the money raised from the GoFundMe would help as he prepares for his future.
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