Kevin Ford was a single father who had just won custody of two of his daughters when he started the Burger King job 27 years ago.
Nicholas Bostic, 25, from Lafayette, Indiana, was hospitalised with a deep arm cut and severe smoke inhalation.
According to reports, Molla's family used some of the money to buy a new truck.
"I just can't believe this. Thank you, thank you everybody. I just want to tell everybody out there, thank you for every cent. It's just a whirlwind of love. Spread the love, cause every day you need it," Kevin Ford said.
The incident came to light when the woman's consultant oncologist discovered her fundraising page asking for donations days after examining her.