Skye, 14 years old, NJ | 11 DAYS WAITING

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Skye is a remarkable person navigating life with incredible resilience. As a toddler, she was temporarily removed from her mother's care after being found walking the streets alone in a diaper during frigid temperatures—an experience that could have ended in a dangerous accident. Skye faced significant neglect during her early years, as her mother prioritized getting high over her well-being. After the unexpected loss of her biological mother, she was taken in by her aunt, who, despite facing her own struggles with a low income and raising other children, embraced the responsibility of caring for Skye. Skye's early experiences have left lasting marks. Her mother's struggle with drug addiction during pregnancy meant that she was born with a learning disability, impacting her reading, math, and comprehension skills. She has been diagnosed with both a learning disability and ADHD. Despite these challenges, Skye's spirit shines brightly. Her favorite color is purple, and she finds joy in music, arts and crafts, and cooking. She attends a monthly therapy group tailored for young women, which has become a vital part of her healing process. Though she is naturally quiet and introverted, Skye cherishes the time spent with her friends. She is on a journey to learn healthier ways to cope with her pain and is actively building a support system around her. Skye embodies strength and determination, and her story is one of hope and perseverance.

This fall, Skye will be starting girls’ flag football, a sport she is very excited to try as she joins a team for the very first time. For Skye, this opportunity means much more than just playing a game. It is a chance to connect with others, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging that has been hard for her to find in the past. She needs a padded top to wear to practice. She's unsure what size she needs and can't wait to head to the store to figure out what gear she needs. Having never been part of a sports team before, Skye is full of hope and excitement as she prepares to take on something new that will keep her active, engaged, and connected to others.