MaKayla & Hannah

Meet MaKayla and Hannah, this match has two reasons to celebrate this month, it’s their one-year Matchaversary, and they are our Match of the Month! From starting their relationship during the height of the pandemic to MaKayla working through some really tough challenges these two faced a lot of hurdles in their first year. Rather than pulling them apart, each fresh challenge made them stronger. Now, here they stand one year later, and in Hannah’s own words, “We’re a fantastic team and I wouldn’t change a thing.” This team definitely demonstrates what it means to be “Bigger Together,” and we couldn’t be more proud!

When you start a relationship virtually it can be challenging to build a strong connection. Despite these challenges, Mom hoped the relationship would thrive and help boost MaKayla’s self-confidence. Hannah dove right in, and soon found MaKayla and her were similar in many ways. Mom credits the great success of this match to that similarity, and Hannah’s willingness to have some sensitive conversations with MaKayla.  Having someone in her corner that both understood her, and could be trusted to show up no matter what, has built MaKayla’s confidence. She knows now no matter how low she feels, Hannah will be there to lift her up, because she matters. 

Both MaKayla and Hannah love to do the simple things together. Whether that’s floating down a river with all the drinks and snacks they could want, or finding the best tire swing and seeing who can push the fastest, these two just love being outside together. In one of their recent adventures, they completed the BBBS 5k. Hannah said, “MaKayla never fails to remind me to slow down and enjoy the present moment that we’re in. I adore her kind, vivacious personality, a kid who’s always ready to find animals and explore the world around us.” Having a partner to slow down and explore with can open whole new worlds to both Bigs and Littles. 

Things have not always been easy breezy, but Hannah has always been there. No matter what's going on in MaKayla's world she consistently shows up to help however she can, even bringing the whole family dinner.  Most importantly, she is there for MaKayla when she needed someone to listen. When a child learns to work through the hard times in a healthy and supported way, it prepares them to be strong and resilient adults. One thing is clear, MaKayla and Hannah have already learned lifelong lessons together, lessons that will have a lasting impact. Something tells us this Match is just getting started, way to be a fantastic team ladies, and congrats again on being our Match of the Month!