Annie just turned 16. Her birthday came and went quietly. No cake. No card. No balloons. Just another day—and Annie, as she always does, accepted it without complaint. Year after year, she’s learned to be okay with being last. Her birthday falls after her siblings’ birthdays and after the holidays—three birthdays and a major holiday all within about 20 days. By the time Annie’s day arrives, there’s rarely energy left to celebrate. So she never makes it a big deal. That’s just who she is. Annie has an incredibly big heart. She puts others first. She checks on everyone, makes sure people are okay, and often puts herself last. She struggles with depression, yet she never complains. She compromises. She carries things quietly. But she deserves a day that feels special. Her birthday may have passed, but I want to surprise her with a belated Sweet 16 she’ll never forget—a day filled with love, kindness, and reminders that she matters. Flowers. Gift cards. Birthday notes. Anything that says, “You are seen. You are valued. You are loved.” If you’re able to help in any way—through a small contribution, a kind message, or by sharing this—it would mean more than I can say. Annie has spent her life making space for others. This time, we want to make space for her. Thank you for helping us give her the birthday she never asks for, but truly deserves. 💛