For his 22nd birthday, Lived Experience Leader, Arsany Mason, chose to celebrate in a way that centered community and purpose by hosting a game night with friends at his college—turning the occasion into a fundraiser to support youth in foster care.

Having experienced foster care firsthand, he reflected on the contrast between his own celebration and the reality many foster youth face—spending birthdays in unfamiliar places without consistent support or connection. That perspective inspired him to act.

“Last year, I planned my birthday to really focus on myself.  This year, I wanted to do something different. I know how privileged I am to have friends and people who care about me that I can gather to celebrate myself each year. I know how disenfranchised so many foster youth are and how many birthdays they have to spend with families that aren’t their own, in places they aren’t familiar with. 

This year, I wanted to step outside of myself for my birthday, and do something for those whose shoes I was once in. I hope that my attempt at fundraising did more than raise capital, but also raised awareness of these youth who are in such unfortunate circumstances outside of their control.”

Through his fundraiser, Arsany not only raised support for FosterClub but also helped bring awareness to the challenges foster youth navigate every day. His birthday became more than a celebration—it became a moment of advocacy, empathy, and giving back to a community he once called his.