Homes for Heroes surprises South Bend police officer's family

On Thursday, a South Bend police officer and his family got a big surprise... dozens of wrapped gifts.

Homes for Heroes picked Brandon Martin's family as this year's holiday recipients.

Brandon and his wife April found out in October their four-year-old boy, Lincoln, had an autoimmune disease.

That meant several trips to Indianapolis to see a doctor at Riley Children's Hospital.

“He has more energy now than he ever has in his entire life. I don't know if that's from the medicine, he was on a lot of steroids. But he has more energy, he's talking more. I feel like he was down for three weeks, so he has to make up that time now,” Brandon said.

“For so many people to think of us, and to do something like this, it's amazing. It really is,” April said.

Lincoln was happy to receive a new train set.

Mom and Dad say he's nearly fully recovered and no longer needs his medication.

The Martin family will get to enjoy Christmas at home this year and not the hospital.