How Shaq Helped a Teen With Size 23 Feet Who Struggled to Find Shoes
The NBA Hall-of-Famer is at it again with his charitable acts.
Shaq, of all people—standing 7' 1"—can relate to the struggle of finding articles of clothing that fit comfortably, and he was recently praised for helping a young man running into the same issue.
After Today shared a story online about 14-year-old Eric Kilburn Jr. suffering from excruciating pain due to being unable to find shoes to fit his size 23 feet, the former pro basketball player decided to, quite literally, step in to lend a helping hand.
The official Instagram account of the news broadcast show uploaded a photo on Instagram highlighting the teenage boy's story, where Shaq found and commented, "I got you big man," under the post.
Mere days later, a delivery arrived for Kilburn comprised of 5 specially-made pairs of Reebok sneakers that had originally been intended for the sports star himself. Not only that, though, Shaq even made personal contact with the young man, leaving him even more surprised about the whole ordeal.
Upon receiving a special phone call from the basketball legend, Eric Jr. recalled being "flabbergasted," telling Detroit-based publication Hometown Life, "My soul left my body for a moment, I was so shocked."
During their conversation, O'Neal revealed that when he was growing up, his mom, like Eric Jr.'s mother, had a hard time finding footwear for him, too. He also offered to connect the high school freshman with a designer who makes dress shoes up to size 26.
The following day, Eric Jr. received a text message from Shaq: “There’s much more coming big man. Love you,” it read, in part.
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The Michigan family's plight didn't only touch the media and Shaquille O'Neal, it prompted people across the country to find a way to help out, with a GoFundMe already raising over $24,000. According to the fundraising page, the Kilburns plan to use the money towards "future footwear and specialized sports equipment" for Eric Jr., who plays football. He'd also like to try basketball.
Additionally, Reebok, Under Armour and Puma are creating custom shoes and cleats for the high school sports player.
“We were so blown away by the support from not only our community but the (am I dreaming?) nation, maybe even global,” Eric Jr.'s mom Rebecca wrote in a Facebook post on March 31. "The icing on the cake for my boys was Shaquille O’Neal reaching out and showing them so much love. So genuinely kind, and not looking for the spotlight — just wanting to reach out and connect with Eric. Jr."
In the initial story last month, Rebecca shared that Eric. Jr. suffers from painful calluses, blisters and ingrown toenails caused by too-small shoes. He also sprained his ankle playing football because he didn't have cleats that fit properly. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the average American male shoe size is 10.5.
“I have spent hours crying feeling like I’ve failed my child because I'm not able to find what he needs,” she admitted at the time.
At one point, they considered custom orthotics, but decided against the expensive option due to his feet still growing and budget constraints.
“The orthotics catalog was mainly Velcro shoes. Eric was like, ‘I’d rather be barefoot,’” Kilburn recalled. “It’s hard enough to stand out like he does. You don’t want to be the giant kid walking down the hallway in old man Velcro shoes.”
Now, instead of feeling "lonely" in their struggle, the family feels a sense of relief. “I hit so many dead ends with people laughing when I called to ask about shoes,” Rebecca continued, adding that they're currently "overflowing with support, generosity, and kindness.”
