Having a sibling is a true blessing. Brothers and sisters are there for you through the highs and lows, sharing in your joys, challenges, and successes. Eight-year-old Ryan Suffern from North Carolina feels this deeply about his twin sister, Amer. His love for her is so strong that he was willing to give up some of his favorite toys just to make her happy.
Amer has been struggling with her weight, which unfortunately made her a target for bullies at school. Seeing his sister treated unfairly, Ryan decided to write a letter to Santa. Initially, he asked for a remote-controlled car and a helicopter, but he quickly realized there was something far more important he wanted: for his sister to stop being bullied.
Ryan explained that Amer never does anything to provoke the teasing and that it was completely unjust. When his mother, Karen, read the letter, tears filled her eyes. She knew her daughter had been enduring bullying, and despite her efforts, nothing had changed. “She used to tell me what kids would make her do—crawl on bus floors or eat off chairs,” Karen shared. “It was heartbreaking, and I worried she might feel the same pain I felt as a child.”
When their story went public, Ryan and Amer were invited to Good Morning America. Amber spoke about the bullying she faced, saying students called her overweight, unattractive, or even hideous, though she didn’t believe their words. She also described her brother as playful, protective, and caring. Ryan’s letter didn’t just ask Santa to stop the bullying; he also wished for Amer’s favorite band, Big Time Rush, to attend her birthday, making it extra special.
The show’s producers fulfilled his wish, bringing the band to perform for Amer and inviting the siblings to a weekend VIP performance in New York City. Once the story went viral, Karen was able to work with the children’s school to improve Amber’s situation. Now, she sits with her older cousin on the bus—the place where most bullying occurred—and feels safer. Karen noted, “Today and yesterday she didn’t wake up asking to stay home, so that’s a good sign.”
Ryan’s heartfelt wish reminds us of the importance of standing up for others. Hopefully, one day, every child can be free from bullying, a problem that affects countless young lives.