Austyn C, 14 years old, KS |

Wish submitted by:

Austyn is a remarkable young man whose strength shines far beyond his years. With his dad battling addiction, he now lives with his grandmother, who does everything she can on a limited retirement income to keep their family steady. Despite the challenges around him, Austyn steps up every day—helping his grandma around the house, supporting his siblings, and carrying more responsibility than any child should have to. What makes Austyn truly special is his gentle spirit and unwavering determination to keep his family going. He deserves support, stability, and the chance to simply be a kid again.

For Austyn, a new pair of shoes would be so much more than something to wear—it would be a reminder that he matters. He’s a kid who spends so much of his energy helping others: supporting his grandmother, looking after his siblings, and carrying responsibilities far heavier than most his age. New shoes would give him a boost of confidence, helping him feel proud and seen when he walks into school. They’d make him feel cared for, valued, and encouraged—something every child deserves. In a life filled with challenges he didn’t choose, something as simple as new shoes could shift his perspective, reminding him that good things can come his way too.