Neftaly, 20 years old | 13 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

A Fighting Chance

Neftaly, known as Nef, entered the foster system at the age of eight, facing numerous challenges that have shaped him into a resilient individual. His experiences have forged a strong character, allowing him to persevere through the difficulties of being removed from his home, parents, and siblings. Fortunately, he was reunited with his family at the age of eighteen, which provided an opportunity for healing and rebuilding the bonds that had been strained during their decade-long separation. Since 2024, Nef has been working as a network marketing executive for a non-profit organization called JOY2LA, which supplies essentials to neighbors in Skid Row and in group homes within the Los Angeles community. He has also begun participating in the Kids in the Spotlight filmmaking programs and looks forward to continuing his pursuit of filmmaking in 2025. Additionally, Nef takes pride in being a youth program participant of A Fighting Chance since the age of seventeen, where he has been able to experience life-changing opportunities through their fitness and mentorship programming. In his free time, Nef enjoys spending time with his family and celebrating life through his hobbies, which include sketching, baking, playing chess, and hiking. As a former foster youth, he relates to the struggles faced by his peers and aims to make a meaningful contribution by giving back to the community. He is committed to strengthening his leadership skills to further his educational and career development while helping to impact other youth who have had similar experiences. Nef has made it his personal mission to use his journey as motivation to uplift those facing homelessness or living in foster care, inspiring them to connect with each other and make a positive impact on their community together.

Neftaly needs a new pair of boxing mitts for her ongoing MMA training. She has been participating in hands-on fitness classes for the past 10 years. Using punching bags can be very strenuous on the body and hands, so Neftaly requires the proper hand protection to stay equipped for her year-round fitness programs.