TOMBALL, Texas — A single mom who rescued a Tomball man who was trapped in his truck during the May 16 derecho was overwhelmed with joy on Friday when she was rewarded with a brand new home.
We first introduced you to Veronica Marin in August when Bryan Pederson contacted KHOU 11 with their amazing story.
Marin and her three kids were a few cars behind Pederson on Hufsmith Road near FM 2978 when a massive tree crushed his SUV. Marin didn't hesitate to stop and help.
“She reached in, undid my seatbelt, which I didn’t even think about, and grabbed me like she had done this a million times,” Pederson said. “When you see the pictures, it’s unbelievable."
Pederson later tracked Marin down on Facebook to thank her and learned her home was severely damaged by the windstorm. He started a GoFundMe to help pay for repairs and kindhearted Houstonians donated over $60,000.
Braustin Homes heard the story and wanted to reward Marin so they donated a brand new mobile home at cost. The donations she received helped pay for it.
KHOU 11 photojournalist Mars Juarez was there when Marin saw her home. There were tears of joy and hugs when it arrived.
"I'm excited because it's my house for my kids," Marin said.
They're excited, too.
"Mom, that's forever my house?" one asked her. "That's incredible."
Marin got to customize the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home and choose all of the options.
Brian Pederson was also there to celebrate with his new friend. The two are forever linked by a storm that nearly cost him his life and forever changed hers.