Ed Bambas, the 88-year-old Michigan grocery store worker who captured hearts worldwide, nearly lost his footing upon receiving a staggering $1.77 million from generous internet donors eager to help him retire. The Army veteran burst into tears when Australian positivity influencer Sam Weidenhofer — who shared the octogenarian’s heartbreaking story of grief and financial struggles online this week — presented the life-changing check at a private ceremony at Foguth Financial Group in Brighton Friday afternoon.