KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- He has made dreams come true for thousands of people, handing out $100 bills to total strangers. But this year, Kansas City's Secret Santa is giving up his secret.

KMBC's Bev Chapman reported that Secret Santa is Larry Stewart, 58. He has been a resident of the metro area for 35 years and is the proud father of four, and he's always kept his good works a secret until now.

For 10 years, KMBC has followed him on his journey to give in Kansas City and in places across the country where disaster has struck. But this year, Stewart's path took an unexpected turn.

"There are people praying for me that ... I don't even know them," an emotional Stewart told Chapman.

Chapman reported that the man who has given so much has spent the last eight months fighting for his life.

"'We found a growth in your esophagus, and I think it's malignant,'" said Stewart, recalling the doctor's words.

Stewart was diagnosed in April and was treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in May.

"So, I got down here, and they said that I had four weeks to live without treatment," Stewart said.

Last month, Stewart completed his 12th round of chemotherapy.

"I'm not glad that I got cancer. I'm not happy about it. But I will tell you it's been a true blessing to me," Stewart said. "It's been a blessing because it's allowed me to get some things right that needed to be done. It's allowed me the opportunity to make a connection with my children I've always longed for. It's strengthened my faith far beyond what it's ever been before."

Even as he completed his treatment, he was planning his next giving spree.

Chapman reported that Stewart understands all too well what these unexpected gifts can mean. As a boy he was raised by poor, elderly grandparents in rural Mississippi.

Stewart's random acts of kindness started in Houston, Miss., 35 years ago at a place known as the Dixie Diner. It's now a barbershop. Stewart had not eaten in a day and a half, and he had no way of paying for his meal. That's when somebody said to him, "Here, I think you dropped this." It was a $20 bill.

To date, Stewart has given out more than $1 million.

"Not counting this year, about $1.3 million," he said.

Stewart said his illness will not mean the end of the giving. Chapman reported that he is training other Secret Santas to step up and help out.

More Information:

Visit Secret Santa's Web site.

SecretSantaBook.com