Annie, 17 years old, NJ | 2 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

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.

An outing to Maggiano's could really bring Annie's heartfelt wish to life, giving her the chance to enjoy a meal with her brother and dad. She'd be able to choose an appetizer, an entree, and a rich dessert, turning an ordinary dinner into a special occasion filled with laughter and bonding. This kind gesture would give them a nice break from their daily routine and highlight how important family time is, reinforcing their love and togetherness. It would mean so much to Annie, showing her that she and her family deserve to celebrate the little joys in life, even when times are tough. This outing could help Annie create wonderful memories with her brother and dad, bringing a sense of happiness and normalcy that they all truly need. This is part 2 of 2.