A Vet Who Went from Amputee to Marathon Runner Gets a Brand New Home

In honor of Veterans’ Day we’re sharing the story of a very special vet, Purple Heart-decorated Army Sergeant Matthew White, overcame a life-changing injury with determination and lots of heart.

White lost his leg below the knee after he was hit by an IED while serving in Afghanistan, but didn’t let that sideline him. He shares, “When I first started running [after my injury], it was probably one of the most difficult times in my life. I was unable to run longer than a hundred yards.”

But the Virginia resident stuck with it, and says, “When I completed my first race, that was when I knew I was back on my feet again. That’s when I set the ambitious goal to start running marathons, and since then I’ve run five marathons.”

To thank him for his service, White was given a fabulous new home by Operation Finally Home and PulteGroup, and Rach wanted to chip in too, so she outfitted his entire new place with her Rachael Ray Home Soho Collection furniture!

It was an exciting moment for Rach, as she told Matthew, “That’s the first whole home of my furniture I’ve ever seen!”

But getting a brand-new home wasn’t all Matthew received – Rach surprised him by outfitting his home with all the kitchen products she makes, AND gave him all the Nutrish dog food that his two rescue pups, Nike and Toffee, can eat! Watch the video above to see his beautiful new digs, and check out the video below to see his reaction to Rach’s big surprise.