McKendree Walker and Luis Aguilar fell in love four years ago. They were both patients at St. Jude Children’s research hospital, and they met during treatment.
McKendree’s cancer is stable, and she is now a student at Rhodes College.
Luis, a native of Honduras, was not so lucky. He lost his battle with cancer on Valentine’s Day in 2015.
>> RELATED: Photos of McKendree and Luis
Luis favorite shoes were his red tennis shoes. McKendree wanted her mother to order lots of them for loved ones to wear to the funeral.
Susan Walker called Zappos to order the shoes. They didn’t arrive on time due to weather, and the next day a representative from the company called to follow up.
Susan Walker told McKendree and Luis’ story to the rep, and she fell in love with it.
When McKendree graduated high school, Zappos surprised her with a trip to Las Vegas, which is the home of the business. 11 family members and friends were flown to Las Vegas to celebrate life of McKendree and Luis. Zappos called it Operation Red Shoes.
It all happened because of the kindness of one customer service rep. Susan Walker called to express her concerns about the order, and the woman simply listened and showed compassion.
That Zappos rep, according to the family, only screens about one call every six weeks. She just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Now the family hopes to have the world hear McKendree and Luis’ story.along with commending the kindness of Zappos.
Cox Media Group
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