At Valerie’s House, we are continually inspired by the resilience and strength of the young people we serve. Today, we are honored to share the story of one remarkable young woman, Aniyah Celestine.

Aniyah’s journey with Valerie’s House began two years ago after she experienced the devastating loss of her mother. Reflecting on that time, Aniyah recalls, "I was so opposed to coming here in the first place. When I was roaming the halls in my high school, I would look at people and think, like, they're not going through what I'm going through."

Aniyah felt alone, trapped in a dark place, but Valerie’s House became a beacon of hope for her. "When I came here, it was like a light bulb switched on. I realized you literally went through exactly what I'm going through right now in the moment," she shares.

Aniyah’s story is one of incredible strength and determination. With the support of Valerie’s House, she has embarked on a journey to become a nurse anesthetist, following in her mother’s footsteps. However, her decision to pursue anesthesiology is deeply personal, rooted in a painful memory from her mother’s final days.

"When she was in surgery, she was under anesthesia... and it started to wear off. She could feel the stitches going through her skin, but she couldn’t speak. The doctors and anesthesiologists didn’t check... so she just had to sit there and feel it," Aniyah recounts.

Aniyah says her mother, Michelle, was mistreated by those who were supposed to care for her. She says the medical staff was not patient or compassionate with her mother during her illness. And that memory now drives Aniyah’s determination. "When I got older and I started to really understand, that's when I became infuriated... You're not there to judge people. You're there to help people," she says with conviction.

For Aniyah, her pain has become her purpose. She knows her calling, and nothing will stand in her way. "That's kind of my do-over... I get to take care of somebody else's mom."

Aniyah’s story is a powerful reminder that loss doesn’t have to limit your dreams. At Valerie’s House, we believe in helping every child and young adult turn their pain into purpose. We are here to support you on your journey, no matter how difficult the path may seem.