Koa, 17 years old, NJ

Wish submitted by:

Koa is an amazing young woman who does well in everything she tries. She lives with her mom, who has a disability, and her older sister, who is in college. She has faced many challenges in her life, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and depression, but she has shown great resilience. After dealing with a tough childhood, including abusive situations with her father, Koa didn’t start speaking until she was five years old. She worked hard in therapy to improve her speech and learn how to walk. Growing up, Koa faced social challenges and bullying, where kids called her "weird" and "fat." Despite this, she succeeded in losing weight by walking and eating healthy, and she has kept a 4.0 GPA in high school for three years. People say she is gifted and talented. Koa loves to research different topics, and she learned makeup and beauty techniques from YouTube. She enjoys working out, taking care of herself, and exploring sports and fashion. Koa dreams of becoming a part-time model and a full-time therapist to help children who have been through similar experiences. She has made good friends in her therapy group and has moved past self-harm. Even though her family faces financial struggles, Koa’s accomplishments show how strong and determined she is.

Koa is really excited as she gets ready for prom, which is a big deal in her life. One of the biggest things on her mind is finding the perfect shoes. She wishes for a Macy's gift card to find and try on the perfect shoe that matches her style and makes her feel confident and beautiful on this special night. With each step she takes, she hopes to feel empowered, creating lasting memories on this important day. The right shoes will complete her outfit and symbolize her journey and achievements as she embraces this exciting time in her life.