Latest news with #Amaiyah
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Goes Viral for Surprising Longtime Pal with a 'Best Friend Proposal' (Exclusive)
Amaiyah surprised her close friend Kaitlin with a "best friend proposal" that included thoughtful gifts and an emotional moment caught on video The TikTok has gone viral, with viewers praising the pair's deep, supportive and judgment-free friendship The two describe their bond as deeper than friendship, calling each other soulmates, sisters and a safe space in a world where trust is rareIt started with a simple text: 'Let me take you out to eat,' but what followed was a moment that would touch millions. In a now-viral TikTok, Amaiyah surprised her close friend Kaitlin with a gift bag full of her favorite snacks and a life-changing question: 'Will you be my best friend?' The emotional moment, captured on video and shared with the world, ends in a tight embrace and tears. 'I met Kaitlin in 10th grade and we had classes together every year of high school, but we just never talked,' Amaiyah tells PEOPLE. 'In 11th grade, that's when we started getting cool and I realized she's just so wholesome.' Though they were already inseparable, they had never put a title on their bond. Amaiyah decided it was time to change that. 'When I'm with her, it's always good vibes, smiles, and I can trust and talk to her about anything,' she says. 'And I was thinking this is the one I want to be around me forever.' The video, which features a visibly surprised Kaitlin receiving her favorite treats and a handwritten note, has been shared across TikTok and beyond. But for Kaitlin, the magic wasn't just in the moment: It was in the meaning. 'I was feeling everything you could possibly think of. I was feeling joy,' Kaitlin tells PEOPLE. 'It was such a joyful moment. I couldn't stop smiling and it took me a minute to answer because I was so full of joy.' She had no idea the bag of gifts was even for her. 'I was just so shocked. It has never happened to me before," she adds. The gifts were items and snacks that Kaitlin loves. That vulnerability — and filming a gesture many reserve for private moments — felt natural to Amaiyah, whose decision to go all in came from a place of deep trust. 'The conversations we have, the bond we have is unspoken … unbreakable,' she says. 'The amount of trust, love, support, honesty is everything a girl could ask for. The relationship we have, I've never had in anyone. And I just feel so safe and so comfortable around her.' The clip struck a chord far beyond their friend group. Thousands of comments poured in, with strangers reflecting on the power of female friendship and longing for that kind of connection themselves. 'Honestly, I feel like when it comes to girl friendships and having best friends, people don't really have the best of luck,' Amaiyah says. 'Friendships tend to go wrong most of the time. And I feel like people seeing our friendship made a lot of people say, 'That was really sweet.' ' She believes the gesture itself, both thoughtfully planned and joyfully given, is something that's missing from many relationships today. 'I feel like if you care about someone, you should take those extra steps to make them feel loved and seen,' Amaiyah adds. Going viral didn't just validate their friendship but it amplified it. In the video's caption, Amaiyah calls Kaitlin her 'soulmate in friend form' and 'sister.' It's a label both girls say reflects something deeper than typical friendship. 'I just feel like the level of respect and just being seen ... we got to be there for each other,' Amaiyah says. Kaitlin nods and adds, 'Who else is going to do that? We clicked instantly. It's actually crazy.' But what stands out most to Kaitlin is Amaiyah's unwavering acceptance. 'I love that we can tell each other anything and she does not judge,' she says. 'Most of the time you can't find people like that. But Amaiyah, I just know Amaiyah is so genuine. Her heart is so pure and I love it.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. For Amaiyah, it's the ease and honesty that define what they have. One moment in particular left an imprint on Amaiyah's heart. 'I was going through a situation and Kaitlin sat there and listened to it for 40 days and 40 nights,' she laughs. 'Never once was I judged. She was just there for me without any question.' The friendship has reshaped how both women see themselves and what they expect from others. 'You inspire me,' Amaiyah tells Kaitlin. 'You make me want to be better in a way.' Kaitlin adds, 'You opened my eyes to see who's genuine, who's not genuine, and what type of energy I want around me.' As for what Amaiyah hopes people take away from the video? It's simple: 'If the bond is there, take the extra step. Don't lose hope. It's good people out there,' she says. 'And you are what you attract.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air donates water heater to cancer survivor
Christel Sheppard wins the plumbing and HVAC company's Mother's Day giveaway LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Christel Sheppard heard she had won the Mother's Day giveaway of a new water heater from Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, a plumbing and HVAC company serving residential and commercial locations in California and Arizona, the Antelope resident was overwhelmed with appreciation. "I was shocked to hear that I had won," Sheppard said. "I was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and am now $80,000 in medical debt. Replacing my old water heater is one thing I won't have on my plate to have to deal with now. I'm so appreciative of Rooter Hero's generosity." Sheppard's daughter, Amaiyah, nominated her for the Rooter Hero Mother's Day giveaway. "I feel like she deserves to win because she has been through so much and has still gotten through it all to take care of me and my two other siblings," the nomination says. "She battled a disease, and I just want her Mother's Day to be very special!!" Rooter Hero of Sacramento installed the Bradford White water heater in Sheppard's home on June 4. The location's general manager, Adam Owens, said that Sheppard's current water heater was more than 22 years old. He said that most tank-style water heaters usually only last about eight to 12 years, putting Sheppard's at nearly twice the age of an efficient water heater. The contest was sponsored by the company's Hero Helps program. Hero Helps partners with charities to give back to the communities Rooter Hero serves. Volunteers with the program have worked to host clothing drives, helped prepare Thanksgiving dinners for women and children at the Union Rescue Mission, donated equipment and services to individuals and organizations in need, and filled neighborhood food pantries. "Our employees want our community to thrive, and giving back is one way to ensure that," said Rooter Hero CEO John Akhoian. "We take the word 'hero' to heart. We are so happy that we could help Christel and her family by providing them with a new and efficient water heater. No one should have to go without warm, clean water." Rooter Hero also awarded a free plumbing safety inspection as part of a Father's Day contest. The service includes a free drain cleaning, a free water heater flush and a free water purity test. The winners for this giveaway are Mike Bolter and Rick Keesee. For more information about Rooter Hero, visit or call them at (800) 616-6096. About Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air Since 2011, Rooter Hero has been committed to providing the best in plumbing and drain services. With more than 100 years of plumbing heritage, the Rooter Hero team prides themselves on creating a memorable experience for each customer. The company provides solutions for both residential and commercial needs and offers 24/7 emergency service. Operating in service area locations throughout California and Arizona, Rooter Hero offers options such as HVAC service and installation in select areas. For more information, please visit or call 844-219-2215. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local families head to DC to fight Medicaid cuts
CLEVELAND (WJW) — As the battle over the proposed budget bill continues in the nation's capital, local families are preparing to go to Washington to meet directly with lawmakers to advocate for the preservation of Medicaid. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the sweeping budget bill that reportedly cuts $600 billion from Medicaid and would eventually reduce enrollment by millions. Missing 7-year-old paddleboarder found, and he only had one question New Franklin mother Wendy Wilson is planning to go to Washington with her daughter Mia, 14, representing University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Since birth, Mia has had a critical heart defect called Ebstein's anomaly. Wendy said she wasn't able to be repaired, meaning her heart is not fixed. More than once she was at risk of dying. Although she does enjoy activities including boating, going to concerts and just having fun, Mia is on a daily routine that includes breathing treatments twice a day, feeding tubes and about 40 doses of medication every day. Her mother left her work when Mia was young so she could care for her. Her father has a good job with insurance, but Mia's condition keeps them from getting any other insurance. 'I haven't checked recently, but the last time I checked, it was around $5,000 a month for just her medicine,' said Wendy. That does not include all of the additional costs. They qualified for assistance through Medicaid through a state program that picks up a large portion of the cost. Without it, Wendy said they could be at risk of losing their home. Akron Children's Hospital will be represented in Akron by Stephanie Hill of Twinsburg and her 2-year-old daughter Amaiyah. At 17 months old, Amaiyah accidentally swallowed some baby oil while she was taking a bath. Although it did not immediately show signs of significantly impacting the toddler, within a short time, she started to experience breathing problems and was eventually admitted to Akron Children's Hospital where she spent 152 days. During that time, her condition became so serious that there was consideration of Amaiyah needing a double lung transplant. 'As we were waiting to hear back from her insurance, we got word that they denied it, but that very same day was the day she started getting better and better,' said Stephanie. In February, Amaiyah was released from the hospital. On Friday — having celebrated her second birthday just this week — she appeared to have suffered no ill effects from that episode. Without Medicaid, she may not have had access to the health care that helped her recover. Remains found in search for missing teen last seen at airport Chris Gessner, CEO of Akron Children's Hospital, said about 54% of the patients at his hospital are helped by Medicaid, which he believes is about the norm across the state. 'I think its been proven, evidence-based, that kids who have access to high quality health care services do much better long-term and and the Medicaid program is wonderful from a benefit perspective in terms of what it covers,' Gessner said. 'It would be a real problem for us. I mean, with over half of our business with Medicaid, we pay a lot of attention when they start talking about Medicaid cuts,' Gessner told FOX 8 News. 'From my perspective, we understand the need to balance the budget and be responsible with resources, but we really don't want to see that done by cutting into the future of our country — our kids' health,' he added. As the debate over Medicaid cuts continues in Washington, he hopes federal lawmakers understand how the program has a direct impact on the welfare of young lives. When discussing the budget bill, President Donald Trump has defended the need to make cuts to Medicaid. 'The only thing we are cutting is waste, fraud and abuse from Medicaid,' Trump said, discussing his 'big beautiful bill' on May 30. Among the lawmakers who the Hill family knows they will be speaking with directly is Ohio's Republican Sen. Jon Husted, who was appointed to fill the term of now Vice President J.D. Vance. FOX 8 News reached out to Husted's office on Wednesday and was sent a written statement which reads: 'We need to save Medicaid. And saving Medicaid means you have to make it financially sustainable. We want to make sure that children, people with disabilities and the people who are really in need have this program available to them. To do that, able-bodied, healthy Americans without dependents have to give back to their communities in return for the benefits they're getting. America has a $36 trillion national debt, so we have to be smart about finding savings in order to protect these programs.' Participating in a Democratic news conference about Medicaid on May 20, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown of Cleveland said she will do everything within her power to preserve the program. 'In my state of Ohio, the state government has already said that if these cuts are enacted under state law, they would end the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in our state, so what does that mean? It means 770,000 people will lose their health care. That's an entire congressional district in just one state. This is suffering on a massive scale and it's going to hurt people of all backgrounds,' said Brown. Sobriety checkpoints Friday: Here's where in Northeast Ohio Next week's trip to Washington, D.C., is sponsored by the Children's Hospital Association, an organization that represents 150 hospitals across the country. It is an annual trip the organization schedules each year, giving each member hospital the opportunity to nominate one family as their representative. Among the other things for which they are advocating is access to pediatric hospitals, which Gessner said is particularly concerning in many rural areas of the country. They will also be advocating for what they describe as the 'growing youth mental health crisis.' But for Medicaid, the Northeast Ohio families that are going hope they can show firsthand how important the program has been for them. 'We have good insurance and it's still just not enough. With the health care costs and the way the policies run, [Mia] can't get insurance anywhere else,' said Wilson. 'Mia's never gone without something that she needed, but I also realize that's not the case for everybody. 'Thank God we are in a position where we are surrounded by a community that literally has helped us pay for these things when we didn't have coverage — but not everybody is in that position.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
