Tessa Wheat, a family and consumer sciences student at UW-Stevens Point, turned her personal journey with the rare Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome into a passion for helping others as an advocate for children facing health challenges. As a leader in the Child Life Association of Stevens Point (CLASP), she has organized outreach efforts like teddy bear clinics and a care-a-thon to support families dealing with chronic illness. After completing a practicum and preparing for an internship at Marshfield Children’s, Tessa is on her way to becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist and helping others with connective tissue and pain disorders.
For her efforts, Tessa was presented the 2025 College of Professional Studies Dick Cable and Judy Cable Anderson Student Heroes Award. Watch her story!