Anthony's Story

David de la Fuente is a coach and the Vice-President of the American Liver Foundation, Pacific Northwest Division.  He’s personally witnessed the positive impact Treehouse has had on some of the kids he has coached.  Anthony’s story reflects what David has seen in some of his athletes.

Anthony is a very good football player- so good that many of his coaches think he has a chance to play at the college level.  He’s also an 11 year old foster kid who is big for his age.  He wears men’s XL clothes and size 11 shoes, which is pretty awkward for him.  So being good at something, getting approval from peers and adults, and being a part of a team is critical to helping him feel like a part of his community.  Football is the key for Anthony.  But, football is expensive and it was more than his foster family could afford this year.

Anthony’s mom was really worried about the negative impact not playing football would have on him, so she turned to Treehouse for help.  Treehouse’s Little Wishes program paid for Anthony to play football this season.  His mom reports that he’s one of the best players in the league and those that know him well are very grateful for Treehouse’s support.

David de la Fuente describes it like this: “Treehouse is a bridge between what foster kids need and what they can’t afford.  I have personally witnessed the difference that Treehouse sponsored programs can make in a child’s life.  I am very confident that Treehouse has kept children off the streets, raised their grades, and allowed them to develop skills they did not have before.  It is an invaluable service and we all should support it!”