Nataleigh, 16 years old, NY

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Nataleigh is a dance student. She lives with her maternal grandmother, who is raising her. Nataleigh has faced significant heartache and loss, having lost several of the most influential people in her life within a short period and at a very vulnerable age. She lost her grandfather in 2013, with whom she shared a strong bond. In 2017, Nataleigh's mother lost her courageous battle with cancer, and in 2022, her stepfather—who cared for her and her siblings as if they were his own—passed away unexpectedly. Additionally, Nataleigh's biological father, from whom she had a strained and absent relationship, is also deceased, which has affected her deeply. Due to these losses, Nataleigh now struggles with her mental health, experiencing significant anxiety, fear, depression, and insomnia. She has also been diagnosed with ADHD, which makes it difficult for her to manage and regulate her emotions.

Despite the many traumas that Nataleigh has endured in her life, she has not allowed these experiences to affect the beauty and grace she displays on the dance floor. A devoted dancer since the age of 3, she strives to be the best she can be. Nataleigh dances to honor her mother and to recreate the memories of the days they spent dancing together. Nataleigh practices up to four days a week to ensure stellar performances, both as an individual and as a part of her team. She participates in competitions, receiving outstanding scores for her nearly flawless routines. Nataleigh has the opportunity to attend a national competition being held out of state. However, she is responsible for covering her admission and entrance fees, as well as her week-long hotel stay, costumes, attire, and food while there. Nataleigh's wish is to represent herself, her team, and her mother at the national competition. She hopes that with some financial support, she will be able to achieve this goal.