Shayna's Story

Shayna’s father left the family when she was small, and her mother spent life either on drugs or in jail. At 16, when Shayna’s grandfather became physically abusive, Shayna moved out on her own. Before starting her senior year in high school, Shayna approached a school guidance counselor, who recognized Shayna’s strengths, helped her get on an academic track and into college. Her counselor showed Shayna that she could grow beyond her family history into a life of meaning and possibility.

"Brad-itude"

Brad suffers from a bone growth disorder, called Multiple Hereditary Exostoses or MHE, which causes painful tumors to form on his bones and joints. He has had 10 surgeries, one per year, since he was eight years old. In spite of chronic pain and physical limitations, Brad has been active in high school sports, became an Eagle Scout and, he coached middle school basketball during his junior and senior years. With the support of his mom and dad, he has embraced a full and active life. In spite of an uncertain future, Brad sees people everywhere who have lost more than he has. Brad is grateful for his life, hopeful for his future, and accepting of the disease life has handed him.

Stephanie's Choices

Stephanie was a victim of child abuse and often had to run to a neighbor’s house for safety. At 13, when her parents divorced, Stephanie was sent to live with her abusive father. At age 14, she was living on the streets, stealing food, and using illegal drugs. Her journey includes house arrest for selling drugs and two suicide attempts before she arrived at a youth home where she learned to make the choices that would help her discover a safe, loving, and fulfilling life.