The Aftermath
Not long after the video of Quaden was posted, he went viral and millions of people ran to his support. As of Friday, February 21, 2020, Quaden’s video had over 16 million views after just three days of being posted. The nine-year-old had gained so much recognition that celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and James Wood have spoke out some words of support to him. Comedian Brad Williams, who also suffers from achondroplasia, set up a Go-Fund Me page to send Quaden to Disneyland in California and it has since raised over $474,000. Although, Quaden and his mother have stated that they will not be using the money for that purpose. Instead, they’ve stated “they’ll be donating the money to two charities: Dwarfism Awareness Australia and the Balunu Healing Foundation, which supports indigenous youth in Australia, Quaden’s aunt Mundanara Bayles told the indigenous news outlet NITV News” (https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/21/australia/quaden-bayles-bullied-dwarfism-disney-intl-hnk-scli/index.html). With the almost half a million dollars raised to send Quaden to Disneyland, he’s stated he will humbly send the kids a part of the two charities there instead.
Bayles raised so much attention he got the National Rugby League’s Indigenous All-Stars team to support him. And according to CNN.com, “the youngster will lead the team out before Saturday’s NRL pre-season match against the Maori All-Stars in Queensland’s Gold Coast.” Which is a great accomplishment for any person.
Viral Conspiracy
With all the fame and attention that came to Quaden Bayles came hate and jealousy. People all over Twitter began questioning if he really was who he said. Some sources found a few pictures from Quaden’s Instagram page of him dressed like an adult in expensive clothing and flexing a lot of money. Although, in response his Mom confirmed that Quaden is sincerely nine years old.
Sources:
Wolves Weekly 