Izzy, 21 years old, PA

Izzy began their life with both a mom and dad, but their choices and behaviors forced them to develop their own sense of morals and rules. Izzy's mother, who had them at just eighteen, prioritized her relationships with men over her own child, and over the years, her increasing reliance on them led to her developing Stockholm syndrome, making her even less reliable. Meanwhile, Izzy's father chose drugs over both his own well-being and Izzy's, subjecting them to a tumultuous environment filled with abuse, fear, and belittlement from him and his girlfriend. Although their upbringing was fraught with challenges, Izzy refuses to let their circumstances define them; with the ongoing support of those around them, Izzy strives to break the cycle of dysfunction and flourish in their life.

Wishes submitted by:

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania