Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels honors a smile that never fades Lorraine Tallman, founder and CEO of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, shows the “Amanda Needle” she helped develop. A 2ND ACT { survivors giving back } A cancer diagnosis is terrifying. But being diagnosed as a child brings unique challenges. Even at 9 years old, Amanda Hope realized the problems posed in receiving treatment for leukemia. Nurses needed to access the port in her chest to administer chemotherapy, but getting to it around clothing was a problem. Amanda envisioned a shirt that would give children a sense of dignity and control while they received their treatment. And she expressed concern and caring 44 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | SEPTEMBER 2018

Comfycozy shirts make hospital stays a bit easier for kids like Daniella (left) and LJ (right). for the other children in the hospital as well. Throughout her journey, Amanda’s spirits never waned. But sadly, after three years of battling leukemia and then a brain tumor, Amanda died in 2012. In her honor, and because of her concern for her fellow patients, her parents founded Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, dedicated to bringing dignity and comfort to those battling childhood cancer. They also launched “Comfycozy’s for Chemo,” a brilliant adaptive clothing line designed with zippers, buttons, snaps, pockets and openings to allow nurses to access a child’s port while keeping him or her covered. Hoodies, dresses, shirts, even onesies for infants in a rainbow of colors have been worn by more than 7,000 childhood cancer warriors. Still, Amanda’s mother, Lorraine Tallman, realized there was more they could do. “We wanted to bring some of Amanda’s sunshine to kids on their most difficult days. So our next focus was to raise funds for free counseling,” she said. “Sounds, sights and smells all trigger fear. Our in-house Comfort and Care team of licensed therapists teaches kids how to cope with their PTSD. And we offer a six-step mindfulness program that teaches breathing skills for pain.” Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels provides family- centered care. From an 89-year-old house in Phoenix turned care center, the organization offers play therapy, parent support and teen counseling, serving families and children from newborn to 20. And, because siblings are often the left-behind population when another child in the family has cancer, brothers and sisters of cancer patients can receive counseling, too. The organization continues to grow. “We want SEPTEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 45