Veteran battling cancer gets Christmas surprise

MANVEL, TX (KTRK) -- Thousands of military families are now adjusting to life after war, but one family in Manvel is having to deal with much more than the average military family, but their lives just got a little easier, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

Outside a home in Manvel, you could say Santa's helpers are getting ready to deliver gifts to a family enduring hard times.

More than a dozen people lined up at the front door and together surprised the Edwards family. The Edwards family received devastating news in July.

I'm like, 'Look, what did you see in my scans?' And the first thing that came out of his mouth was Stage 4 cancer. And I'll tell you, that was just wow," 30-year-old Russel Edwards said.

Russel Edwards is in the Navy and has a tour in Iraq under his belt. He, his wife and four kids with another on the way, were stationed in Mississippi and commuting to the Houston Medical Center for treatment every two weeks, either driving or flying. They eventually had to relocate to the Houston area to be closer to the med center, but the bills have drained their accounts.

But after hearing their story Southwest Airline employee Christine Moore decided to recruit colleagues and adopt the Edwards for Christmas.

"You guys touched us big time. It was personal. We really appreciate you letting us come into your life this Christmas," Moore told the Edwards.

The family, with money being tight, wasn't going to celebrate Christmas until January 5.

Now it's back on track.

"It feels wonderful because you go from meeting people, strangers and to see that they care, it's just overwhelming," said Russel's wife, Roxanne Edwards.

"It's good I mean. I feel happy that people care that much to come see. It's hard otherwise," Russell Edwards added.

And with presents under the tree and new friends, this is sure to be a Christmas to remember in the Edwards home.

The Edwards family will continue living here until Russel completes his chemotherapy.

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christmas, local, erik barajas

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