Brandie, 43 years old

Wish submitted by:

Currently a Junior at Sacramento State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work. Her long-term goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) so that she can help others navigate the kinds of challenges she has faced in her own life. As a former foster youth, she has learned how to persevere through stress and uncertainty. When not focused on school, she enjoy attending Guardian Scholar events when her schedule allows. She also love dancing, cooking, and creating art. Dancing is her favorite form of exercise, while art—through beadwork, crocheting, painting, and writing poetry—has become a crucial outlet for managing stress and expressing herself. Cooking, though once a joyful hobby, has become difficult to keep up with due to the demands of school, work, and family.

In 2023, while attending Sierra College, I was diagnosed with liver cancer. It was a frightening and unexpected diagnosis—not caused by the usual factors, but by the birth control I had been prescribed to manage polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Thankfully, I am now in recovery, but my health remains a priority. A balanced, low-fat diet is essential for my ongoing well-being. Being able to prepare nutritious meals at home would be a huge step forward in my healing journey. As a former foster youth, I’ve had to adapt quickly, often putting my own needs aside to survive. If my wish were granted, it would relieve the daily anxiety of not knowing whether I’ll have time to cook a healthy meal. It would be one less thing to worry about—and that relief would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, my family, and myself. Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my wish. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for your support of people like me who are working hard to build better future.