Annie, 17 years old, NJ | 3 DAYS WAITING

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Annie is a brave young woman who escaped a difficult situation with her mother, where she and her autistic younger brother faced abuse. Now, she deals with panic attacks, trouble sleeping, low self-esteem, anxiety, and PTSD from their past experiences. Annie attends therapy groups, where she finds support from others who understand what she’s been through. She has made new friends there. For their safety, Annie and her brother live with their dad, who has set strict boundaries to keep their mother away. She takes on a lot of responsibility as a caregiver for her brother while her dad works when he can. Balancing everything is tough for both of them as they try to take care of him. Annie also volunteers at different organizations, which gives her a sense of purpose. Family time means a lot to her, and she loves playing games and cooking Spanish food with her brother and dad. In the future, Annie dreams of traveling and exploring new places. She enjoys arts and crafts and is learning makeup skills to earn some extra money while she goes to college. She wants to study nursing or social services so she can help others in tough situations, just like she experienced.

Annie's story is a powerful testament to hope, resilience, and the significant impact of support. As she faces the challenges of school and life, she is determined to achieve her academic goals and build a brighter future for herself and her family. To truly assist her on this journey, she is requesting an Apple gift card. This card would provide her with the resources to download essential educational apps for her homework assignments. Such a simple gift could make a world of difference for Annie. It would empower her to excel academically and help her manage her responsibilities as a caregiver for her brother. Every step she takes is motivated by her desire to create a meaningful impact in the lives of others, inspired by her own experiences.