Martin, 16 years old, CA

Wish submitted by:

Martin is a caring teenager who enjoys sports, music, and drawing. He entered foster care at 11 due to neglect and faced a severe hip injury two years later, leading to constant pain. Despite moving through many foster homes and facing challenges in getting medical care, he showed resilience. After multiple hip surgeries, he worked hard to not let these experiences define him. Now, he’s excited to return to athletics, especially basketball and horseback riding

Martin earned a scholarship to attend a YMCA Equestrian Camp this summer, and although he already has most of the essential items on the camp's packing list, he requires a good pair of riding boots so he can fully participate in the camp experience. After everything he has been through, stepping into an unfamiliar environment can feel uncertain, but properly fitted boots will give him a sense of stability, safety, and belonging from the very start. Martin's wish for riding boots will help him feel prepared and included, reinforcing his confidence and allowing him to fully engage in the experience and believe in his ability to succeed.