A friendly greeter at a Costco in northern California who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer was rewarded by his customers for his warm smile with money for a vacation . Arlie Smith , 45 , has worked at the big box store in Danville for more than 21 years , and is known for drawing smiles and flowers on receipts for customers ' children . He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis , a disease his mother also had , two years ago and in September doctors said that he had kidney cancer that spread to his bones . He is estimated to have less than three years left to live . Scroll down for video . Roughly two dozen customers surprised Danville Costco greeter Arlie Smith ( right ) 45 , with a beach vacation after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year . Customers of the store , calling themselves Arlie 's Angels , raised $ 2,500 so their favorite employee could go on a four-night vacation with his wife Shari to a resort in Laguna Beach , California . Organized by customer Bridgette Loughnane , a group of about two dozen surprised Mr Smith at work on Tuesday , and came along with his wife and local news stations . The package , which the Angels had been planning since October , also had sunscreen , a picture frame , seashells and a heartfelt note from customers . 'Everything that 's done for me and the love that 's shown for me , every day , it 's astounding , ' he told KTVU . The grateful greater said that he appreciates the support from customers with whom he always tries to make real connections . However , his real goal is to become the number one fundraiser for Children 's Hospital Oakland during a drive in May . Mr Smith ( center ) was emotional after being repaid for his constant kindness by customers such as Bridgette Loughnane ( right ) and his wife Shari ( left ) The popular greeter was diagnosed with cancer last fall and began chemotherapy in November ( right ) but says that his main goal is to raise money for Children 's Hospital in Oakland through a fundraising drive in May . He has asked well-wishers to help him raise money for the Children 's Miracle Network charity , for which he had previously been a top 10 fundraiser in North America . Mrs Smith , who met her future husband when she paid at his cashier 's register in 2002 , says her husband deserves all of the good attention he has gotten . He says he 's strengthened by those around him , especially his wife . ' I have had 13 years of happiness with her . That 's more than some children have had in their whole lives , ' Mr Smith told Danville San Ramon , comparing his life to those of kids diagnosed deadly diseases . The greeter also added that his customers are 'the reason I stand up tall at work every day ' . Mr Smith met his wife when she came to the Danville Costco and went to his cash register to check out . He said he has had 13 years of happiness with her while children diagnosed with diseases have had less .
Arlie Smith , 45 , has worked in Danville , California , location for 21 years . He was diagnosed with MS two years ago , and with cancer in months . Customers spent September planning surprise Laguna Beach vacation . Mr Smith says he only wants to raise money for nearby children 's hospital .