Sometimes you just need a helping hand from someone who can understand just what you’re going through.

When 14-year-old Eric Kilburn of Michigan couldn’t find shoes that fit his whopping size 23 feet, he never expected a slam-dunk solution from an NBA legend.

But that’s exactly what happened when Shaquille O’Neal found out about the 6 foot 10 inch tall teen. O’Neal, who rocks a size 22 shoe himself, gave Eric a call that left the teen “flabbergasted.”

“I was so shocked. My soul left my body for a moment,” Eric told Hometown Life, a local news outlet. O’Neal, who stands at 7 feet, 1 inch, and has faced similar shoe struggles, empathized with Eric and shared some words of wisdom.

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, posted the heartwarming story on her Facebook page, along with photos of the special delivery her son received. Reebok, in collaboration with O’Neal, sent Eric five pairs of size 22 shoes that were originally created for O’Neal. The package also included a hand-written letter from the Reebok team, expressing their support and promising more help to come.

Eric Kilburn holds a new pair of shoes he received. Photo courtesy of the Kilburn family.

“Hoping these shoes we created for Shaq could be a fit and offer you some relief. We have a few more things headed your way, but wanted to get these to you asap. Know that we’re here to help and behind you every step of the way!” the letter read.

Eric was overjoyed with the shoes and couldn’t contain his excitement. “Mom, I don’t remember getting to ever choose what I wanted to wear like this before, there’s so many options!” he told her.

But the support didn’t stop there. “When him and I were texting about shoes, (O’Neal) said, ‘There’s much more coming big man. Love you,’” Eric said. “This is the ultimate.”

In addition to Reebok, sportswear brands Under Armour and Puma also reached out to offer custom-made shoes and cleats for Eric, whose story went viral after he revealed that he had sprained his ankle playing football because he couldn’t find cleats that fit.

Eric’s mother expressed her gratitude and amazement at the outpouring of support her son has received. “My kid, head-to-toe outfitted by Shaquille O’Neal. Pinch me,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Shaquille O’Neal/Getty Images

Eric’s story is a shining example of how acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant impact in someone’s life. O’Neal’s willingness to help a teenager in need, and the response from Reebok, Under Armour, and Puma, show that even those in the limelight can use their resources to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As Eric waits for his custom-made shoes from Under Armour and Puma, the Reebok shoes sent by O’Neal have already made a difference in his life. 

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, hopefully inspiring others to pay it forward and create a positive chain reaction in their communities.

Watch below to see the inspiring story of what happens when kindness is given freely.

Sources: People | USA Today | Hometown Life