Instant Influencer

Make-A-Wish® Connecticut granted 10-year-old Amar’e Freeman’s wish to be a YouTuber.

Amar’e is an extremely creative and outgoing 10-year-old living with a blood disorder. Like most kids his age, Amar’e is very technologically savvy and enjoys browsing YouTube. Playing videogames and watching YouTube videos has become a way to distract Amar’e during some of his darkest times.

When he isn’t on the computer playing Roblox or Minecraft, you can find Amar’e posting dancing videos on TikTok with his siblings. Amar’e has always dreamed of having a dedicated space where he could grow his YouTube channel, The Official DragonChips. Amar’e dreamed that this space would include new gaming and filming equipment to allow livestreams, just like some of this budding influencer’s favorite gaming YouTubers, such as creator ItsFunneh. With the help of some Make-A-Wish magic and the support of WWE, Amare’s wish came true. Amar’e’s mom shared that “as the wish process began, his whole spirit has been improving. Amar’e used to be quiet, shy and reserved and now he’s very vocal and happy.”

His new setup includes a state-of-the-art gaming PC with two monitors, microphone, headset, as well as a camera and other organizational equipment to help complete his professional gaming workspace. He has a brand-new gaming chair and desk, along with some color-changing LED lights to provide the perfect backdrop for any YouTube video. To top it all off, a customized full-scale replica of Amar’e’s original channel’s artwork and logo, generously donated by The Blue Dodo, hangs on the wall and completes the space. Amar’e’s mom added, “He was so excited and so shocked. His whole mood and attitude have changed – he spends so much time in his new room.”
Amar’e is excited to start uploading videos as soon as possible with the hope of becoming a famous YouTuber. He wants to use his platform to provide entertainment for other children his age with similar conditions. Let’s help him achieve his goal – like and subscribe to his channel: The Official DragonChips!

Make-A-Wish is in the business of delivering hope, and hope has never been more important than now for our wish kids. It can be difficult to continue to hope when we have had so many dreams deferred due circumstances beyond our control, but the moment we have something to look forward to, everything begins to change. Hope is a superpower that kids living with critical illness, like Amar’e, have been tapping into long before many of us heard the word, “lockdown.” Helping more kids find hope is something we all have the power to do, because for these children—as for all of us—the promise of a wish is so much more than a temporary escape. It’s a wellspring of strength to keep fighting for better days. Hope is essential for children living with critical illnesses and you can unlock its transformative power today. Don’t wait for hope; create it! Donate now at ct.wish.org.