'Success Kid' meme star raises thousands to save his dad's life
Success Kid's dad needs a kidney transplant.
Sammy Griner, who is now eight, became an internet sensation after his Success Kid meme went viral.
Now, Sammy is using his powers for good to help raise money for his dad Justin Griner, who has been battling a kidney disease since 2006.
His mother Laney Griner, Florida, created a Go Fund Me page, and thanks to her son's popularity the page has already raised more than US$89,000 (NZ$117,000).
"It's just all been really amazing," Laney told ABC News. "It never stops being weird, and it never stops being awesome."
Justin, 39, has been on dialysis for six years and spends four hours a day, three days a week undergoing dialysis.
"Six years on dialysis is getting to be a long time," Laney said. "It's wearing on him... I just want to get him healthy."
Laney launched the Go Fund Page this week not only to raise money for Justin but hopefully find a living donor.
"We certainly prefer a living donor because the prognosis seems to be much better, Laney toldThe Daily Dot.
According to ABC News: "Medicare will cover 80 per cent of Justin's post-surgery costs, but the Griners will still need about $12,000 in the first year to cover drugs alone, and he'll be on many drugs for the rest of his life."
But being on dialysis for so long increases the risk of "further complications".
"The only way to save his life is to get a transplant. There's no other way around that," says Laney.
"We've had several friends and family offer and get tested to be donors, but no match so far."
The original Success Kid photo was taken when Sammy was 11 months old. In that moment, Laney said Sammy was about to shove a fistful of sand in his mouth.
Uploading the image onto Flickr in 2007, Laney was annoyed that the picture was being used as an 'I hate sandcastles' meme, making him look mean.
But she says she loves that it evolved into a Success Kid meme.
"By now, it's just out there. What am I going to do? At least it's positive," she says.
"Without that happening, how could I get this recognition about my husband's kidney transplant?"
To find out more about Griner's story or to make a donation visit their Go Fund Me page.
Here are some of the best Success Kid Memes:

