A TikTok video showing a boy in Texas — presumably home on summer break — knocking on his neighbor's door and asking for help finding friends his age in the neighborhood, has gone viral. The couple responded by sharing his story and starting a GoFundMe to help raise money for him to have a gaming system, some school clothes, and amusement park tickets. Social media users praised young Shayden Walker for his bravery, kindness, and beautiful spirit.
Brennan and Angel Hammersmith have posted several video updates since the initial video. The couple says they are also planning to set up a P.O. box for those who want to write encouraging letters to Shayden. They even shared a heartwarming video in which they officially meet Shayden and his family. It all goes to show, a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
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In the heart-wrenching video, the kid said, 'I need some friends, like, really bad.'
The video shows the middle school boy on his neighbor’s porch, nervously waving and speaking into what appears to be a video doorbell camera. Brennan says, “What's up man?” Shayden responds, “Hi. Umm I just wanted to see if you knew any kids around like 11 or 12 maybe cause I need some friends, like, really bad.”
Brennan, shared the video on TikTok with the caption, “Its’ takes 2 seconds to make someone's day, you never know what people are going through until you get a chance to talk to them. This young man is well mannered, kind, and brave. So tiktok can we help shayden make some friends???#fyp #bekind #nobullying #love #kindness #letschangetheworld.”
Shayden also shared that he had been bullied by some of the neighborhood kids.
When Brennan tries to point him to a home nearby that has kids his age, Shayden admits, “Well they're not my friends anymore because they're bullies to me.” To which Brennan replies, “Awh I’m sorry man.” Shayden proceeds to ask Brennan if he has any kids, to which he responds that he only has a 2-year-old, which elicits a happy and excited response from Shayden.
“Oh, OK, that's great! Cause I actually love 2-year-olds to be honest. They are just the cutest things I have ever known," he says. He then goes on to explain he used to have a 2-year-old sister and he enjoyed spending time with her.
The video ended with Brennan asking the kid his name and saying he would say hi next time he sees him. The boy was very polite and said, “OK man, you have a good day.”
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The couple shared a video of them officially meeting the boy and his family, as well as updates on the fundraiser they started for him.
Brennan and Angel, along with their 2-year-old daughter, went to go and meet Shayden and his family officially and posted the heart-warming video on their TikTok account.
"We finally got to meet Shayden! He had the same energy in person as he did over the doorbell camera. A pure bundle of joy. We have exciting news for ya'll coming soon, stay tuned!" the caption reads. The video shows Shayden sharing his rock collection and giving a sand dollar to their daughter as well as laughing, smiling, and looking very happy.
A photo of Shayden and the young family, along with other adults who appear to be Shayden's parents or guardians, was also shared in the video.
Brennan and Angel also shared the fundraiser they started for Shayden on GoFundMe, in the hopes of helping him with some supplies and experiences designed to help him make friends. They eventually closed the fundraiser and coordinated funds with his family. The couple reminded others on the GoFundMe page to, "… continue to show kindness to Shayden, and raise awareness for bullying and suicide prevention!"
Social media users were touched by the boy's story and wanted to help.
Shayden’s story struck a chord with users on TikTok, as many could relate to the young man’s difficulty finding friends or shared that they have children in similar situations.
One user wrote: "What a sweet heart my son would be his friend in a heartbeat because he gets bullied too :(."
Other users said they wished they were closer so they could be his friend. “Awe can i be his friend this broke my heart I hope he finds himself some sweet friends soon ,” someone wrote.
Others pointed out how children are often targets for bullying and how difficult the ages of 11 and 12 can be.
“Unfortunately kids this nice are targets to bullies,” one commenter wrote.
"God being this age can be tough at times," noted another. "Hope he’s doing alright."
