Family who carries adult son up and down stairs on their dad's back gets surprise from Secret Santa

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A local Secret Santa is giving $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season. Every day, from now until the end of the year, the East Idaho News elves will be delivering gifts from Secret Santa and we’ll be sharing the surprise videos here.

Ryan and Marci Buffat has spent years navigating steep challenges — literally and emotionally — as they care for their 27-year-old son, Brandon, who has some severe disabilities.

Living in a split-level home with multiple staircases, simple tasks like moving Brandon from one floor to another have become daily obstacles. Ryan has to carry Brandon on his back up and down the stairs.

Earlier this year, the family received a partially functional chair lift from one of Ryan’s clients. While grateful, the lift requires significant modifications to fit their home, and the remaining staircase still needs a second lift. The couple has been pricing out the cost of purchasing and installing the additional equipment, but the financial burden has weighed heavily on them.

“In talking with Ryan, you can sense the stress and strain this has put on their family,” said a close friend. “A stairlift would completely change their daily life.”

Ryan and his wife provide round-the-clock care for Brandon, tending to him with unwavering tenderness and devotion. Their quiet perseverance caught the attention of an anonymous Secret Santa, who decided it was time to step in. He asked the East Idaho News elves to go surprise the Buffats.

Check out the video in the player above.

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