Remarkably, he survived the ordeal and spent the remaining 50+ years of his life as a free man.

📌 Long before online crowdfunding, his story showed the power of small acts multiplied—proof that even a single cent can add up to something life-changing.

With the help of a Chicago Tribune column, pennies and small donations poured in from across the country, adding up to about $28,000—enough to fund four years of college. When he graduated, Mike even donated the leftover $1,000 to help another student.