Texas LB Dalton Santos asks for donations to fund mom’s heart surgery, fans respond in droves

You could forgive Texas Longhorns linebacker Dalton Santos for being a little preoccupied during the recently completed spring practice as his mother Mary Vista Santos was dealing with a thoracic aortic aneurism that requires open heart surgery to be repaired.

Santos did what so many people his age did and went on his Twitter account to ask for some help to raise the money to pay for the surgery and the people responded.

According to ESPN, Santos had a goal of raising $5,000 but was with the large fanbase the Longhorns football program has was quickly overwhelmed with people willing to help his mother who does not have health insurance.

The total amount of money donated is currently at $18,766 and you can donate here if you would like to help reach the Santos family reach the new foal of $75,000.

Vista posted an update on behalf of Mr.s Santos on YouCaring.com on Tuesday:

"I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for all of your prayers, calls, messages, FB post and visits. Although I can’t read much of what has been posted right now because it’s just so overwhelming and emotional I want you to know you are lifting my kids up! … The Longhorn Family, Coach Strong and your staff thank you for taking care of my oldest baby! God bless you and Blessings to you all."

Dalton also expressed his gratitude over so many people taking time out to donate to help out his mother.

What a touching story and hopefully that target will be met and Mrs. Santos will have a successful operation and have a swift and complete recovery.

Santos made 72 combined tackles last year for the Longhorns.