This week, new artwork soared above the Valley—an original design created by Ava, a young Arizona pediatric cancer warrior. The design was turned into a balloon banner and showcased on one of the balloons owned by Valley hot air balloon company Rainbow Ryders in honor of National Hot Air Balloon Day.
The unveiling marked the latest milestone in Rainbow Ryders’ ongoing partnership with the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating childhood cancer.
Ava’s design was selected from submissions received during a drawing contest held at an ACFC family event in February, where children and families were invited to color and submit Rainbow Ryders-themed artwork for the chance to see their creation take flight. Contest officials chose her work, feeling it showcased creativity, strength, and hope.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children and to bring Ava’s vision to life,” says Lindsay Mayer, director of operations at Rainbow Ryders. “Her banner is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder of the courage children battling pediatric cancer show every single day.”
Ava and her family were able to celebrate the banner’s debut recently during a private sunrise hot air balloon flight.
“When facing childhood cancer, joyful moments like this mean everything,” says Chrisie Abramo, President and Founder of ACFC. “Rainbow Ryders continues to be an extraordinary partner in helping us create memories filled with joy, connection, and hope for these children and their families.”
The unveiling deepens Rainbow Ryders’ “Design a Balloon” campaign, which invites children supported by ACFC to share their creativity and watch their artwork rise into the sky, offering hope where it’s needed most. The company says it will continue its campaign, giving more young artists the chance to see their dreams take flight.
Rainbow Ryders, which was founded in 1983, offers hot air balloon flights above the Valley,
