On 21 November 2018, Ellen DeGeneres turned a fan video into a life-changing moment for a Kenyan man named Lawrence, a registered nurse living in the United States. After seeing his message, she brought him onto her show and later handed him $25,000.
Lawrence, who was born in Kenya, said he had won a U.S. green card at the age of 19 and later built a career caring for older people. In the video that caught DeGeneres’ attention, he told her: “I wish to see you because I love you…I love what you do, I love how you suprise people, I love how you give people chances,” Lawrence said.
Once he was in front of her, Lawrence explained that the move to the U.S. had not been easy. He said he struggled with culture shock and was mocked because of his accent, but kept going because he had family back home depending on him.
He also told DeGeneres that he had given up college so he could pay school fees for his brother and sister. After hearing that part of his story, she surprised him with support intended to help him continue his education, along with the $25,000 gift.
The segment was shared with viewers through a video clip, and the moment added to DeGeneres’ long-running reputation for rewarding people who move her with personal stories of hardship and generosity.
