Valley Boy Writes Book About 'Open Hearts'

'Cuppy Cake' Lip Sync Video Thrust Sam Allred Into Spotlight

April 25, 2011|By Ashton Goodell | Channel 2 News

Courtesy Photo

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Wasilla kid has become on online celebrity for what started as a joke and has now changed the way he views the world.

Sometimes Sam Allred wishes his home video never went viral on Youtube mostly because he became known as the "Chubby Cuppy Cake Boy."

Because of the world-famous lip sync video, he was sought out by the Tyra Banks show in 2009. He and Banks sang a duet mimicking the video and talked about what it's like to be cast into childhood stardom.

The 11-year-old now has a slight crush on Banks and refuses to wash the Tyra-shaped make-up smudged from the jacket he wore that day.

His guest appearance on "The Doctor's" helped him explain why he's short for his age and seems overweight. Sam has a kidney disease called IgM Nephropathy a condition where the immune system attacks the kidneys.

Prednisone, the one drug that seems to help the symptoms, has devastating side effects, including weight gain, uncontrolled emotions, and stunted growth.

"I don't like being short because it makes people think I'm younger than I really am," Sam said.

Hurtful comments on the Youtube video inspired Sam to write a children's about his illness entitled "Opening Hearts." The message of the book is to not judge people by the way they look. All the royalties go to Sam's non-profit which helps give comfort to hospitalized children by giving them pillows.

"I think it's more worth doing this than going out and playing or something," Sam said.

The Make-A-Wish foundation helps kids like Sam who struggle with incurable diseases. Sam wished he and his family of 13 could go to Disney World.

"I'm really extremely grateful for that opportunity," said his mother Angie Allred. "I learned a lot too and then of course we had a wonderful time."

You can help the Make-A-Wish Foundation by donating your frequent flier miles during the Miles for Smiles Telethon starting Tuesday, April 26 at 6 a.m. and running through 7 p.m.

In Anchorage call: 550-8484

Across the state: 1(800)478-5256

Flight miles will help children travel to their dream vacation.

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