"It was something that was needed so badly," her husband Mike Bartell told InsideEdition.com.
The family of a mother-of-six, who has been in a coma for the last two years, has been surprised with $10,000 by an anonymous Secret Santa — right when they needed the generosity the most.
Mike Bartell, 53, of Pocatello, Idaho, opened his door earlier this month to be met with a news crew from EastIdahoNews.com, which presented him with a check for $10,000.
"Mostly I was just overwhelmed, I couldn't believe it," Bartell told InsideEdition.com. "It was something that was needed so badly."
He explained he has scaled back on work ever since his wife, Lauriann, 47, fell into a coma two years ago. She was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer and fell into a coma during emergency surgery.
That's when their six children, aged 12 to 24, began pitching in around-the-clock and taking up jobs to support the family.
"They're good kids," Bartell said. "I always watch how kind and tender they are to their mom."
Bartell said he and the family plan to spend the money on living expenses.
"Her needs don't allow me to continuously work," he explained. "I had already been upset and fretting about it. The money, it couldn't have come at a better time."
This year, the family's third Christmas since Lauriann has been in a coma, Bartell explained they plan to host family members at their home.
"She loves the lights on the Christmas tree," Bartell said. "I'll wake up to see her staring at the Christmas tree. We never take it down."
He said Lauriann's condition has improved over the years, and they continue to be hopeful for her recovery.
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