Comedian Sending Bullied Child Quaden to Disneyland
Photo Credit: BradWilliamsComedy.com
By now you may have already seen the devastating video of Quaden, 9 years old of Australia, wishing that he were dead. Quaden’s mom Yarraka Bayles shared the video after she witnessed an episode of bullying take place, to promote awareness of how damaging bullies can be. The video has now been viewed over 19 million times, and has been shared over 300 thousand times. You can watch it here, however we must caution you that the content is distressing.
Young Quaden was diagnosed with achondroplasia as a baby, which is a form of dwarfism. His mother reveals in the video that Quaden has already attempted suicide multiple times as a result of bullying. Bayles pleas for help in the video, desperate to improve the circumstances for her son.
An Outpouring of Support for Quaden
This family could never have anticipated just how far this video would reach. Celebrities have come out in support of the young man, sharing words of encouragement. Hugh Jackman, a fellow Australian, shared this heartfelt video to Twitter. “You’ve got a friend in me” Jackman states in the video, and “everyone please be kind to each other.”
Quaden – you’ve got a friend in me. #BeKind @LokelaniHiga https://t.co/8dr3j2z8Sy pic.twitter.com/jyqtZYC953
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) February 20, 2020
Megyn Kelly also took to Twitter yesterday asking everyone to “stop with the cruelty.” Thousands of other messages of support have brought awareness to Quaden’s circumstances.
Pls, please, stop with the cruelty. Kindness. Love. Friendship. Understanding. What else matters? Pls, teach your children what bullying does to its targets. What kind of people do we want to be? https://t.co/XVDhjdUo2L
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 21, 2020
Comedian Brad Williams Starts GoFundMe
Brad Williams, a comedian who also has achondroplasia, is offering his support as well. Yesterday he started a GoFundMe page in order to send young Quaden and his family to Disneyland. Within 24 hours, the fundraiser had reached almost $140,000. As of this morning, the amount has surpassed $200,000!
Williams has stated that he would like to fly the family to the United States and arrange lodging and the cost of food and park tickets. Once these costs are covered, Williams will donate any additional funds to anti-bullying organizations.
I’ve set up a GoFundMe to send brave Quaden and his mother to Disneyland. Let’s show a bullied kid that he is loved! https://t.co/vGLHQXzO0K
— Brad Williams (@funnybrad) February 20, 2020
From ‘Worst’ to ‘Best’ Day of His Life
In a report from Warren Barnsley of 7 News in Australia, Quaden’s mom stated that her son had the worst day of his life turn into the best. Bayles stated that her problems aren’t over as a parent, but the support has helped. Her son will even be joining the NRL All-Stars at their game on Saturday!
We think this family certainly deserves a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! To donate, you can visit the GoFundMe. Or, visit StopBullying.gov to find out how you can raise awareness against bullying.
Ready for your own amazing Disney vacation? My services as an agent with MickeyTravels are always 100% FREE! I can help you plan your Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort, or Adventures by Disney vacation. Fill out the form below for your free, no-obligation quote today. You can also email me at cmathews@mickeytravels.com, or find me on Facebook at MickeyTravels – Chelsea Mathews.