Boy behind 'Success kid' meme helps raise $75,000 for father's surgery

If you are a Facebook or Twitter user, it is likely that you would have seen the 'success kid' meme.

If you are a Facebook or Twitter user, it is likely that you would have seen the 'success kid' meme.

The internet is flodded with this kid's image making fun of various situations generally related to either 'success' or 'satisfaction'.

Success-kid

According to knowyourmeme.com, the original image was taken by the boy's mother Laney Griner when Sammy Griner, the real name of the 'success kid', was a 11-month-old baby.

On August 26th, 2007 she posted it to her personal Flickr account and on Getty Images.

Even after almost eight years, it is still doing the rounds on social media.

According to Buzzfeed, this is one of Internet's longest lasting memes.

Sammy, now a 8-year-old boy, was trending again last week. However this time not as a meme but with a request for a kidney donor to save his father's life.

The family living in Jacksonville, Florida at first posted a request in Gofundme.com requesting a donation of $75,000 for Justin Griner's kidney transplant.

At first the family refrained from using Sammy's fame to raise funds but later when they eventually did, it gave a huge push to their cause.

Sammy Griner with his father Justin Griner. (Photo: Facebook)

Close to 3,900 people helped raise the amount in just over 6 days and the donations are continuing to flow despite having achieved the goal.

Many of the donors thanked Sammy Griner for putting a smile on their faces for the past eight years in the form of a meme. Some were even willing to donate their kidney in Gofundme.com.

Sammy Griner with his mother Laney Griner. (Photo: Facebook)

Manuel A.Martinez posted
I wish I had $ to help out, I use your son's photo all the time, I wish you all well and hope this works.

Derby Hilp posted
"I wanted to say so glad to see amazing people brought together by a meme, I cannot believe this is 7 years old, I have to wait until my paycheck clears to be able to donate, but for now, you are in my prayers, I wish I could donate a kidney, but I first have to make sure mine are functioning first to begin with. Prayers and hopefully a donation on the way soon, always."

Marilyn Wishert posted
"If you hadn't taken a picture of your son and posted it to the internet so many years ago, no telling how well this would have gone. I'm so glad that God works in mysterious ways. I pray that everything will go well for your family."

Sarah Colachicco posted
"Im sure you are going to reach your goal before I get paid but I am sharing your story as much as I can!"

Danielle Stone posted,"I would donate my kidney to an adoring father like you! Please find me on Facebook, see if I'm a match!"

Corrie Decker posted, "Hi my name is corrie my email is corried5834@gmail. Com i will donate if I am a match. Email me when you see my post"