Johanna GB, 18 years old, CA
Johanna's life changed dramatically last year when she faced the sudden and traumatic loss of her mother due to a drug overdose. While grieving this unimaginable loss, Johanna also navigated her senior year of high school. She and her two younger teenage brothers, both on the autism spectrum, were placed with a relative. Despite the instability and emotional toll of these changes, Johanna remained focused on protecting and supporting her brothers. As soon as she turned 18, she made the courageous decision to move out on her own and take on the role of caregiver for her siblings, becoming both a parent and a sister to them. Currently, Johanna is attending college and majoring in health care administration. Balancing the demands of college while caring for her brothers requires immense strength, discipline, and maturity. Johanna's story is one of resilience, selflessness, and determination. Through grief, instability, and responsibilities beyond her years, she continues to move forward with purpose, building a future for herself while ensuring her brothers are safe, supported, and successful.
Wishes submitted by:
CA DCFS - Los Angeles County