FEATURE FRIDAY: Lorraine Tallman on her Nonprofit and How One Girl’s Big Dreams Inspired it All

This Friday, Lorraine Tallman, the founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, sat down to talk with us about her nonprofit, how it helps others, and Amanda, who was the inspiration behind it all. Here’s what she had to say.

This month—September—is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Tell us why that is so meaningful to you…

As a mother who watched my daughter battle cancer twice, I was able to see the challenges that each family faced during their treatment and the life that followed. We used that knowledge to create an organization that would fill those gaps in care. Knowing that pediatric cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children, we need national recognition that will move the needle on research in order to save the lives of our children.

Before we talk about Comfycozy and Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, can you tell us a little bit about Amanda?

Amanda was a jovial, kind little girl. We couldn’t drive by a homeless person without stopping. She would hear the heartache of people in the hospital—the financial needs, the death, and grief, and she would want to help, even if it was just providing them with a big hug.

Amanda inspired the work that you do now. Can you tell us about it?

The second time Amanda fought cancer she was 12 and hated her body being exposed to everyone in the room during her chemo treatments. Dignity and modesty were central to everything she believed in and it inspired our Comfycozy’s for Chemo adaptive apparel line. Her dreams became our passion and purpose with every program we run today.

What are Comfycozy for Chemo shirts?

Comfycozy’s for Chemo is adaptive apparel for patients being treated with central lines. We created this apparel so that patients can remain comfortable and clothed during their chemotherapy. It’s so much more than a shirt.

In what ways does Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels help others?

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels serves the here and now needs of families battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. We provide Comfycozy’s for Chemo to warriors with a central line, and to Arizona families we provide financial assistance, major distraction events in and outside of the hospitals, and comfort and care services. Our Comfort and Care team is made up of licensed therapists, coaches, and mentors who can provide counseling, play therapy, grief support, mentorship, mindfulness, and wellness services to the entire family.

The 12^th annual Night of Hope Gala is coming up soon. Can you tell us about it?

Our Night of Hope Gala is an evening to celebrate and honor those who fight like a kid. Our community comes together to ensure brighter future for our warriors and raises almost 50% of our annual budget. We have live and silent auctions, a beautifully catered dinner, live entertainment, and more!

This is a special gala because Amanda was 12 when she passed, and this will be our 12^th gala. We are also honoring Marty Tallman, my late husband who passed of stomach ulcers that developed into stomach cancer from the stress of carrying our family through Amanda’s battle. October 18 was his birthday and the date of this year’s gala.

Are tickets and sponsorships still available?

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are still available. We are also still accepting auction items until October 1. Details can be found at amandahope.org/gala.

What is one thing you’d like people to remember about Amanda?

The power of one! Every program and service that we offer is because one little girl dared to dream big. Her heart inspired us, and now we are able to help over 130 new children every month.

You’ve impacted thousands in Arizona. What do you hope for the future?

In the future, we hope to provide all of our programs on a national level, especially our comfort and care services.

Lorraine Tallman of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. Courtesy Lorraine Tallman