Meet Chantwan, a 51-year-old Army veteran from Michigan who was doing everything he could to get back on his feet after a difficult past. Recently released after spending 21 years in prison, he faced homelessness and uncertainty. With no home, no stable income, and few belongings to his name, he was struggling to find hope—until a single chance encounter changed everything.

That moment came when Zachery Dereniowski, better known on TikTok as @MDMotivator, approached him on the street to film one of his now-famous social experiments. In the video, Zach gave Chantwan a choice:

NBC/Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via G

His tiktok channel

“Would you rather take this $1,000 or this signed basketball?”

It was Chantwan’s birthday that day. Despite having almost nothing, he smiled and picked the basketball. Why? Because it brought him joy, even for a moment. That quiet, humble answer moved millions of people—and showed the world who he really was: a man of character, not circumstance.

🙌 What Happened Next Was Incredible

Zach handed over the $1,000 anyway. But he didn’t stop there.

• He gifted VIP tickets to the BIG3 basketball league, where Chantwan met rapper and league founder Ice Cube.
• The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral—over 70 million views flooded in across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
• People from around the world wanted to help. A GoFundMe titled “The Slingshot: Help Launch Chantwan’s New Life” was created.
• Within weeks, $124,000 was raised.

Every single dollar went to Chantwan—Zach didn’t keep a cent.

The funds are now being used to help Chantwan find housing, clothing, a stable environment, and access to therapy and job resources. For the first time in years, he’s been given the tools to start fresh, with dignity and support behind him.

💡 Why This Story Moved Millions

• It wasn’t about the money. Chantwan chose joy over cash, showing what kind of man he is.
• The internet united behind real human decency. No gimmicks—just empathy, trust, and action.
• It exposed the real struggles many veterans face. And offered an inspiring look at what’s possible with a little help.

Chantwan never asked for anything. He never complained. He simply hoped someone would see him—and thanks to a stranger with a camera and a heart, the whole world did.

🧭 What We Can Learn from Chantwan

• Kindness multiplies. One unexpected gesture sparked a movement of compassion and financial support.
• Everyone deserves a second chance. People are not the worst thing they’ve ever done.
• You don’t need to be rich to change a life. Sometimes, simply seeing someone’s humanity is enough to spark change.

Watch the video.