Vanessa, 19 years old, OR

Wish submitted by:

Vanessa entered foster care when she was six years old, and for the next twelve years, she was moved again and again—over twenty different foster homes before she eventually aged out. That kind of constant change forced her to adapt quickly, to read new rooms, new rules, and new people, over and over. Even when stability felt out of reach, Vanessa kept going. She carried herself through every transition with a quiet determination, building resilience in places where she should have been able to simply be a kid. Today, Vanessa is writing a new chapter. She’s in college, sharing an apartment with a roommate, learning what it looks like to create her own sense of home on her own terms. She loves to cook—finding comfort in recipes, flavors, and the simple joy of making something nourishing—and she loves to sing, letting her voice be a place where she can breathe and feel free. Most of all, Vanessa values quality time with the people she loves, choosing connection and joy as she builds a life that reflects who she is, not just what she’s been through.

Vanessa is asking for a McDonald’s gift card so she can take her little brothers and sisters out to dinner. McDonald’s is their favorite place to eat, and being able to share a meal there would mean more than just food—it would be time together, laughter, and a chance for Vanessa to show up for them in a way that feels special and joyful. This simple gift would help create a memory rooted in love, connection, and care.