Tessa shares: “My mom is special in so many ways. After going through my first pregnancy and being there for my labor and delivery(4/15/25) supporting not only myself but my husband- I just couldn’t have done it without her. She’s always been selfless, never has once complained about any sort of stress she would go through (now looking back as a mother she went through the wringer raising myself and my 3 older brothers). She sacrificed much more than I would ever comprehend to give us the life that we always dreamt of or asked for. She lost her mom to cancer when my grandma was in her late 50s and my mom was in her mid 20s. I often think of what she could’ve possibly gone through to be able to stay strong throughout her life without her mom becuase I couldn’t truly imagine going through my life (especially my adulthood) without my momma. I’m so blessed to have her! We also lost my brother 8 years ago (in September) and she has suffered immense grief but it would never stop her from loving and giving to everyone around her.”

Since 1983, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge has been restoring joy and hope to people struggling with drug, alcohol, and other life-controlling addictions.