GoFundMe announced on Friday the launch of a new crowdfunding campaign that is seeking to end cyber bullying. The crowdfunding platform it has teamed up with Jessica Benton, the mother of “Stuff Curry” (aka Landon Lee), to launch the initiative to raise $25,000 for Cybersmile, a nonprofit that battles online bullying.
Benton shared that Landon has nearly 80,000 followers on Instagram and has been a frequent guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, including a recent appearance with “Baby Lebron James”:
“This past February, Landon’s photos were being shared and forwarded across several social media networks. Unfortunately, as his reach grew, so did a growing group of trolls who poked fun at his chubbiness. I was really shocked and hurt by the fat-shaming and parent-shaming that I was experiencing. To counteract the conversations mocking my son and my parenting, I decided to take ownership of his new nickname, ‘Stuff Curry.’ Today, I urge everyone to make a donation to the GoFundMe campaign to help us fight online bullying.”
She then explained:
“Positive self esteem and public acceptance is deeply rooted with me due to the passing by suicide of my oldest son when he was 20 years old. It is not ok to call people names, make rude jokes about them or their appearance, and belittle others online or off. Words hurt. Sitting behind a computer, tablet or phone screen typing the worst comment you can think of affects others. Even if you think the person will never see the comments, you will never be sure of it. As a mom, I want Landon to grow up and be sensitive to others feelings. I want him to stand up for what is right and protect others. We may now accept the name Stuff Curry, but many others will never be able to escape the torturous words people may type about them.”
GoFundMe CEO Rob Solomon, commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled to team up with Stuff Curry for this important campaign,” said . “It’s critical that we raise awareness of the consequences of online bullying, and we hope this serves as a reminder that we all need to do our part in fostering healthy communities on the internet.”
This campaign was launched as part of Landon’s first birthday celebration.
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