Riley, 16 years old, CA |

Wish submitted by:

Riley is a social and resilient teen who continues to stay engaged in school despite experiencing a profound personal loss. She is currently navigating a difficult chapter in her life following the recent passing of her brother, who lived with her in foster care. Even through her grief, Riley shows remarkable strength and determination by maintaining her school responsibilities and staying connected to those around her. She copes with her trauma in healthy ways by spending time with friends and remaining active in athletics as a member of her school’s wrestling team. Riley is known for her easy-going personality, loyalty, and strong relationships with both friends and family. She especially enjoys bonding with her teammates, spending time with her cousins, and sharing meals during visits with her father and sister. Riley’s strength and perseverance make her a special and inspiring young person.

Riley would greatly benefit from receiving a camera, as she is requesting one to create lasting memories with her wrestling teammates during a season that is already underway and very meaningful to her. Engaging in activities with her peers and capturing shared experiences helps strengthen her social connections, which is especially important during this time of grief following the recent loss of her brother, who passed away while in foster care. Building and maintaining positive social relationships is a strong protective factor in helping Riley process trauma and continue adjusting healthily. Having a camera would allow her to document moments with her friends at school, cousins, and wrestling teammates, supporting her emotional well-being and encouraging continued connection, joy, and resilience.