Kristiona, 30 years old, CO | 11 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

Foster Alumni Mentors

Kristiona was placed in foster care at the age of two. She was adopted but later bounced around from foster home to foster home at the age of nine. After being returned to foster care, she aged out. Despite facing everyday obstacles and medical issues, Kristiona became independent and started her college journey, which has been successful. She has graduated with her Bachelor's degree and is now looking to continue her education to work with children. Currently, she works as a teacher at an early head start preschool and enjoys every moment of it. Kristiona is committed to breaking the generational cycle of abuse and lack of education. Her ultimate goal is to own and run a summer camp for children in foster care, providing them with not only fun but also therapeutic and mentoring support.

Kristiona is prioritizing her mental health, with a primary focus in therapy on improving her sleep. She has never owned a real pillow, something that has always felt like a luxury reserved for hotels or nights away from home. As a result, her bed has never truly felt cozy or homelike. For as long as she can remember, Kristiona has relied on the same pillow pets and stuffed animals she carried with her as a child. While they once brought comfort, she now sees this transition as an opportunity to gently let go of past trauma and create a sense of safety and rest in the present. Having a real pillow, like these copper-infused ones, would help her sleep more consistently, allow her home to finally feel like home, and support her in stepping fully into the adult she is becoming.