He greets customers every day at a California Costco, trying to make everyone feel important, but he's fighting for his life and the customers at the store are now turning the tables on him, making him the important one.
Arlie Smith is described by customers as always smiling and always happy. He's been at the Danville store for 21 years and is so much a cornerstone of the store he's earned the nickname the Costco guy, according to KTVU.
He also has been living with multiple sclerosis. But that's not his biggest battle, Smith also was diagnosed in September with terminal bone cancer, but that hasn't stopped him having a positive outlook.
His wife, Shari told KTVU that since he's been told of the grim outlook, he's been enthusiastic and happy.
When customers heard of his battle, and they surprised him with $2,500 to send Arlie and Shari on a vacation to his favorite place in Laguna Beach in Southern California.
Why did they do it for someone who may otherwise fly under the radar?
One shopper said Arlie never said "why me?"
Arlie is also spearheading the store's fundraiser for Children's Hospital. In past years, he was in the top 10 in North America.
Read more of Arlie's story here.
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