Mother Teresa once said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” This is the favorite quote of class of 2013 alum Tehya Foussat, who strives to live by these words in her everyday life. Diagnosed with spina bifida at a young age, she has endured many physical hardships and challenges. However, she has remained positive through it all, excelling throughout high school and even founding her own charitable organization.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that causes the vertebrae overlying the spinal cord to not fully develop. As a result, Tehya underwent multiple spinal cord surgeries and endured much pain, even missing many days of school. Despite it all, she managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA and served as a cheerleader, ASB president, and Ambassador throughout the course of her high school years.

Perhaps one of the most definitive moments of Tehya’s life was founding Tehyathon, a non-profit organization that offers support to spina bifida patients and families in addition to creating survival packs for the homeless. Filled with travel-sized toiletries and nutritional food, the packs, known as Tenderness Totes, are meant to be kept in one’s car to give to someone in need as an alternative to donating money.

Tehya credits a large part of the organization’s roots to an influential figure in her life. “Tehyathon started after my sixth and seventh grade teacher, Mr. Reisert, completed an Ironman race in my honor,” she said. “He did it to inspire me because after my third spinal cord surgery, I was unable to attend school. He and my parents then helped me spread my dream of helping the homeless throughout the community.”

Tehya reminisces on the time she spent at Cathedral as vital to her growth and development. “My favorite part about my experience at CCHS was getting to know the students, teachers and admin because they are all so caring, helpful and personable. They supported Tehyathon, donated their time to create the Tenderness Totes, and even helped me host the Tehyathon event in April.”

On April 21, Tehya organized and hosted the first annual Tehyathon event, an all-inclusive 5K walk/run that featured a mini-carnival, vendor booths, food trucks, and an inflatable jumper. Outreach Through Dance coupled with the Make-a-Wish Foundation supplied motivational speakers, singers, dancers, and other performing artists in an effort to raise money and awareness for Tehyathon.

“Tehya was given a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and rather than thinking of herself, she wanted to help the homeless,” said Mr. Tom Rickling, Ambassadors moderator and AP Economics and Statistics teacher. “That is what makes her so special. She rarely thinks of herself, and when you are in severe pain a lot of the time, that is about as rare as winning Power Ball.”

“Overall, high school has taught me that time is precious when it comes to dreams and goals,” Tehya said. “It has taught me to cherish the little acts of kindness and never fear to dream because true friends and communities like Cathedral will support us all throughout life.”

As far as plans for the future, Tehya says that she would like to continue creating and distributing Tenderness Totes. She deferred entrance and will be entering the University of San Diego in the spring of 2014.

“To describe Tehya is honestly to describe the light behind every smile. She uplifts those around her naturally, without an effort.” said Class of 2012 alum Alexis Hahn. “She is one of my best friends, and one of the most loving and genuine people I have ever met. She creates happiness and love, and that’s all you can feel when you are around her.”

“Tehya is sensitive and brave, kind and unstoppable, down to earth and holy,” said Drama teacher Ms. Katie Wilson. “Behind that delicate façade is a warrior. She is truly an inspiration, and we are better people for knowing her.”

*You can learn more about Tehya’s charity by visiting her website at www.tehyathon.com.