Tessa, 13 years old, NJ

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Tessa is a princess at heart who loves Disney, sparkles, and dancing. While her favorite colors have shifted to light blue and light green, she still enjoys girly things. A fan of movies and music, she adores Stitch and has a collection of related items. Tessa is close to her family, especially her pre-adoptive mom, and loves dancing with younger kids. She dreams of becoming a dance teacher one day!

Tessa recently realized that she needs to carry a bag with her these days, but she has made it clear that purses are not her style. What she really wants is a small Stitch backpack that she found online after a magical trip to Disney World with her foster mom. During that trip, Tessa had the chance to meet Stitch in person, and it brought her to tears. She felt a deep connection to his quirky, misunderstood, and fiercely loyal personality, which resonates with her in ways she struggles to describe. Her favorite quote is “Ohana means family,” and after everything she has experienced in foster care, she feels that Stitch understands her. While at the park, she saw a Stitch backpack, but it was very pricey and beyond her budget. Her foster mom gently explained that it was too expensive at the moment. Tessa then found a slightly cheaper option that she loves just as much. She wishes someone could grant her this wish so she can carry it with her every day. It would serve as a daily reminder of that special moment at Disney, who she is, and the kind of family that doesn’t give up on you.