We absolutely LOVE the Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels! At 6 years old, our daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on 12/15/2020. We were absolutely devastated. The first week we were in the hospital, a volunteer from Amanda Hope came to us with gift cards for groceries and gas, they’ve provided us with utility assistance and have just completely been there for us. Once Kimber was more established in her treatment we felt more comfortable going to events and activities. They make the kids feel so special and loved, and for awhile she could forget about cancer and treatment and just have fun! I don’t know how we could have gone through her treatment without all the help and comfort Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has given us. We love you all!
Creed Andrew Thacker is our 15 year son, our baby, our “Least ‘un” as I call him, and he has so much Courage. He was diagnosed with a “Germinoma” brain tumor on July 10th. He had what we thought was going to be a “routine” CT scan on July 2nd, we were called into the doctor’s office that afternoon, informed that he has a mass on his Pineal Gland, we were sent to Vanderbilt that night. He had an MRI which determined that the “mass” was not allowing his spinal fluid to drain from around his brain. They preformed brain surgery on July 5th to relieve the pressure and made a new canal for the fluid to drain away from his brain. The mass had been cutting off that flow which in turn was causing his more frequent headaches.
We had taken him in October of 2023 to the doctor because I suspected that he may be experiencing the onset of Migraines that run in my (Rose’s) side of the family. Nothing was done at that time by the doctor who suggested that he cut back on sodas and try to get more rest. He just dealt with them by taking pain reliever and many hot showers on the days that they bothered him most. When he had been experiencing these now, more frequent headaches for a little over a year we took him back to the doctor around the first of May. I just felt like there needed to be something done, some kind of medication that could help ease his discomfort.
We certainly never expected to get the news that Creed has brain cancer but we did on July 10th. It went from a “routine”CT Scan to him having brain surgery to 4 rounds of Chemo and now on to 4 weeks of radiation. He is now in his 3rd week of radiation and his tumor(which he named Tommy)has shrunk significantly. He has had all of his Chemo and radiation treatments at Vandy.
He has had to receive several Platelet and blood transfusions at various hospitals around us. And…throw in an appendectomy in between round 1 and round 2 of his Chemo. It has certainly been a wild ride for us and him but he has not complained about his situation. From those first few moments that we learned about the “mass”, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, gave us such a wonderful peace and contentment when we were told the results of his CT scan.
Creed is such a Courageous young man, he knows that God has chosen him for this “Cancer Journey” to encourage others dealing with cancer to endure through our AMAZING God ! God chose us, his parents and his supportive family to be there for him and to be as strong as Creed has been through it all !
We certainly could not have endured this journey without our Jesus and the prayers, love and support that we have received from so many. We want to thank everyone for their love and support of such a very strong kid who is growing into a very fine young man.
Our youngest daughter designed a picture and with the help of our daughter in law was turned into t-shirts and some very cool stickers in support of Creed during this time. We titled those items “Courage for Creed”.
Creed has 3 older siblings,2 sisters, Grace Ann and Annabelle and a brother Dawson. He has a brother in law, Anthony and a sister in law, Tara. He has an ‘O so sweet niece named Lydia Grace who is 4 years old.
Creed enjoys spending time with his large, loving family. Attending services at our little, loving country church,playing video games, collecting his hundreds of stickers, especially loves Putt Putt, Bowling and working his magic on his many Technic Lego sets that he has been gifted throughout his journey.
Creed certainly has been and continues to be a very strong and encouraging influence on everyone around him !
My daughter was diagnosed with a rare benign vascular tumor and has to get chemo every week. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels sent her a care package with a shirt that gives easy access to her port. It really made life getting chemo soooo much easier. We truly appreciate them and what they do! ❤️
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is an incredible nonprofit organization that provides unwavering support to children with cancer and their families. During my son's 2.5-year cancer journey, and even now in remission, they have been a constant source of comfort and joy. They organize events that have allowed my kids to have fun and forget about the cancer for an hour or two, and they do the same for parents by offering wellness services like sound healing, essential oils, and breathing techniques. Both of my children benefited immensely from a 12-week mindfulness skills course, which positively transformed their approach to stress. Additionally, the organization provides thoughtful touches in the hospital like a card sending a hug and a few dollars for the cafeteria each time we had an emergency admission (which was almost weekly), fuzzy blankets for him to take to infusion visits, and engaging activities in the CCBD waiting room for siblings and patients during hospital procedures. I just cannot say enough about the wonderful people and amazing work being done by this organization. We are so very grateful for our Rainbow Angels, thank you!!!
Amanda Hope’s sent my son a comfy cozy t-shirt that facilitates his infusions! It is super comfortable and he really likes it, and all the nurses always tell us that this shirt is such a great idea! Thank you!!
Very nice and helpful with my daughter's journey so for. By the time we help home from the hospital my daughter's package was already there. That made her happy
My daughter was only 13 years old with lymphoblastic tcell 3 lymphoma survived 9 months at Dell Children's hospital there are no words for what Charities do for sick children who cry because they know they are passing away and frustrated from being in the hospital. Thank you for putting smiles on all the chemotherapy kids there are no words enough to Thank you help relief stress, cries, worries from the bottom of my heart Thank you so much for all your doing daily. Sincerely, Melissa Elizondo
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has been a ray of light in so many warrior families! It is inspiring to see the impact the team and staff are making on these children and their families. The team is filled with rockstars!
Amanda Hope has been a great support throughout our entire journey! From the awesome Comfy Cozy’s to the personalized room when it was time for his Bone Marrow Transplant. We also really enjoy the events offered throughout the year!
My son, Ryan, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 4 yrs old. We had no idea what to expect or what his future would hold. We did know that he was going to reicieve chemo for 3 yrs. We started going to clinic and he would sit with his shirt off because accessesing his port with his shirt on was difficult. We would bring blankets so his back wouldn't stick to the vinyl infusion chairs and he would get cold. We came across Amanda's hope (comfy cozys for chemo) on Facebook. We filled out the application and within a few weeks Ryan had his port shirt! He wore it everytime he had infusion or we had to make a trip to the ER, just in case they'd have to accesses him. He felt so much more comfortable sitting in the infusion chair fully clothed and warm. His shirt also had a pocket on the inside that would hold his "tubie" when he had to stay accessesed, it prevented the tubes from hanging and pulling on his port. Ryan is 9 now, he will be celebrating 2 yrs cancer free on November 13th!!! It was a difficult battle but it was the little things that helped him get through it, like his comfy cozy. Thank you for all you do to help make our Warrior's battle more tolerable.
Amanda’s Hope has an amazing mission of providing care, gifts, and support for children fighting cancer in Arizona and Nevada.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels came into our lives just over two years ago when our son was diagnosed with Leukemia. They came to our room in the hospital and presented Jaxon with a Comfy Cozy shirt. At that time we had no idea the impact that the shirt AND this organization would have on our lives and to our family. Throughout Jaxon’s battle we were blessed to receive help and support that we would never have even thought to ask for. Jaxon was diagnosed in November and we spent a lot of time at the hospital. AHRA arranged for a company to come and put Christmas lights up at our house. It was so meaningful to come home and still be able to feel like we were not “missing” Christmas.
That is just one of the many times AHRA stepped in and supported our family. They would send our family to sporting events, present us with grocery or gas gift cards, and provided many events and visits in the hospital to help us feel like we were not alone.
In September Jaxon lost his battle with Leukemia. I remember receiving an email shortly after from AHRA about an event for “warriors” and their families. I responded to that email and explained that Jaxon had passed away so they could remove us from their email list. To my surprise I received an email response that assured me that Jaxon would always be a WARRIOR and that we would always be a part of this family. It brought tears to my eyes. Since then this organization has continually showed love and encouragement to our family. Most recently AHRA began a writing program and invited our youngest daughter to participate. It has been such a blessing to her as writing is truly her passion and the counselor that she works with on a weekly basis is wonderful.
It continues to amaze me how many lives this organization touches. What a beautiful tribute to Amanda. The impact they have in our community is priceless. And there are not enough words to explain the love and appreciation that WE have for them. Thank you Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels!
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is an amazing nonprofit organization that has helped thousands of children and families including Mines, with cancer and blood disorders. They help with food, clothing, activities, gas and whatever they can help with. Most importantly they keep children happy and as comfortable as possible. I love Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels!
AHRA has such an important mission of providing gifts, care, and support for kids with cancer!!
GREAT org, GREAT team, & the CLOZTALK team is honored to call AHRA our partner!!
CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder
I first learned about Amanda Hope a few years ago at my job where they have a few of them explain what your donations are typically used for and the different activities available to help the Warriors and their families. Although personally I haven't had anyone in close relation to me go through this, I do have relatives that have had it later on in their lives and I understand the toll it can take on the whole family and any bit helps where it could be a card or comfy cozy to even a smile. and Amanda Hope goes above and beyond. I like to say thank you for the opportunity and my family and I will continue to help.
AHRA is not just any non profit. They are the surprise when you think you have things handled. From Christmas presents to families battling not just cancer but other unexpected life threatening blood disorders,brightening a hospital room up, to a friendly meal on an extended hospital stay and still being there at the darkest moments when your drowning in grief from losing your child. There is more to list but this just a small snapshot of the things my family experienced. They are the angels of hope in all stages of battle.
Through my daughters bone marrow transplant journey AHRA has always been there for us. Three things come to mind when I think of how Amanda Hope has positively helped my family. The first is the meals that were provided while we were inpatient at the hospital. I would often be too scared to leave my child or even not wanting to spend money, but thanks to AHRA I often had meals provided. Second, I was often provided with gas and cafeteria gift cards. This relieved financial burdens on my family. Lastly, something that my girls could feel the impact of, was the spa days while waiting for our clinic appointments. AHRA always helped me with my two young girls, playing with them, holding them and even painting their nails. Being at appointments can be very stressful but because of Amanda Hope, our days were lighter and brighter. I have felt such amazing love and support through this organization, I now advocate and raise funds as often as possible. I am grateful for Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels.
I've watched this team work tirelessly to support and guide those dealing with the most terrible of times. Not only has their actions helped patients and families dealing with cancer, their breadth of knowledge had influenced the development of new medical techniques, procedures, equipment, and training. It's not the normal "we support research" platitude so many charities misuse: Amanda Hope is so involved with the people they impact, medical professionals seek them out as experts from patient care to the designing of new medical instruments.
From the top down, it's obvious this organization takes every opportunity to improve the lives of those around them, and proactively seek solutions. The unavoidable reality that children and adults deal with cancer is less lonely and traumatic because Amanda Hope is truly there for them.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is such a blessing to families whose children are battling for their lives! Through a rough battle, our daughter has found great hope through AHRA! Dreams have been made real...comfort and care have been at her bedside time and time again...interactions with other patients have been provided (POWERFUL)...and a never-ending level of love, support, strength and vision for the future continues to give her HOPE! Just last summer, we almost lost her once again when she went into cardiac arrest while being out of state. AHRA rallied their resources and made it possible for her to return back home safely to her home hospital. We are FOREVER thankful for this incredible miracle!
Not only are families emotionally burdened with the reality of their child's/sibling's mortality, but the financial burdens can be crushing for families like ours. Amanda Hope brings dignity and respect to families, providing Financial Assistance with gas cards, grocery cards, utility bills and so forth. When the load is lighter, families are able to continue fighting with hope and a renewed sense of strength!
Now, as a I get the chance to work behind the scenes with other "fighting" families, I see the depth of impact that AHRA is having in our community. Just this last week, a families' electricity was going to be turned off while their child was in treatment for cancer. When I was able to make the call to let them know the bill was paid, this sweet mother started to sob. Her gratitude was overwhelming...and we connected deeply as I understood the worry she was facing. What a miracle maker AHRA truly is!
Without a doubt, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is a life-changing foundation who goes above and beyond to bring dignity, hope, comfort and care to families across our nation!
Amazing organization that provides incredible shirts & many other needed resources to families battling childhood cancer.
I have been working as a volunteer for a while. This program allows for children and families who are battling childhood cancer to feel more safe and have more dignity while having the worst outcome. In my experience Lorraine and Amanda Hope office have touched so many lives and made a huge difference in our community alone and I can’t wait to see where it goes while being apart of it.
It was definitely the workings of Miss Amanda from heaven. I had asked God for direction to my next charity of interest and it was put in my lap (aka the mailbox). Fast forward a year and every time I step foot in the presence of the Amanda Hope Team, I am floored at their mission, their attitude, their compassion, and their strength to help in whatever way possible. They provide support, a shoulder to lean on and ask questions to, distractions, all for what is in my opinion, your (my) worst nightmare. Bright shirts, fun activities, parties in a bag, gift cards, love and of course Big Hugs spread the globe from Phoenix, AZ. We are lucky to have someone as determined as Lorraine in our community fighting for our children. I only wish I could give more to this cause...
I began volunteering with AHRAS 3 years ago and I can tell you truthfully that outside of having my children, this has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Lorraine Tallman began this charity as a last wish for her 12 year old daughter, Amanda, when Amanda was dying from cancer. Amanda told her mother that Lorraine "needed to take care of all the children who have cancer because they all don't have such great mothers" as she did. From that moment, Lorraine has made it her life mission to do just that, and I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization. I volunteer at Phoenix Children's hospital where we serve dinner once a month and lunch twice a month to the families. The family room is filled with children attached to IV poles, and parents who are devastated. At these dinners, aside from received great food, everyone has the opportunity to share experiences with others, and gain support from knowing others who currently are dealing with their fight against cancer. Lorraine knows every child and every family. Many parents struggle with financial difficulties. Gift cards to help them are available. Free bilingual counseling is available to the children (we call them "warriors") and their families at the AHRAS office. Because Amanda did not like her body being exposed during port accessing, she and Lorraine designed a T shirt that allows easy port access with body exposed. It is called a Comfy Cozy, and every warrior that enters the hospital receives a free Comfy Cozy. Dresses, sweatshirts and other apparel items have also been designed. Honestly, volunteering with AHRAS has been a life changing experience for me. Everyone associated with this foundation is compassionate and loving in a manner that is something I have never seen before. I have learned so much from working side by side with Lorraine and her incredible staff and volunteers. Currently, this program is expanding to many other cities. Lorraine Tallman is, without a doubt, the strongest most dedicated woman I have ever met. She puts smiles on the warriors faces, and gives of herself to help others who are fighting the fight. Recently, she has designed a port that directs the position of a needle inserted so that it can be accessed easily, with one try. The port has recently been approved for use. The gratitude I feel for being allowed to work as a volunteer for AHRAS is immense. It has been a life changing event for me. You cannot imagine how many warriors and their families have been helped by Lorraine Tallman and AHRAS. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Amanda hope is a great organization that brings joy to cancer warriors. I’ve volunteered with Amanda hope for almost 6 months and it has been a great opportunity. We’ve visited local hospitals and went door to door on the children floors to bring gifts, offer stickers, and offer to paint their nails. Their comfycozys are also an amazing product. They have so many different adaptive clothing with colorful designs that children enjoy wearing when being in the hospital.
I have the pleasure of working behind the scenes with Amanda Hope and planning crafting days right here in Nevada with my boss. I’m so thankful to be a part of this charity. Seeing the smiles on the kids faces makes my heart melt. Nothing in life compares to that moment when a child’s mind isn’t focused on their illness and they can be simply be a kid.
Amanda Hope is one of the best charities I have ever had the privilege of knowing and being involved in. Their vision, mission and core values are like none other. Lorraine is one of the most selfless and most compassionate individuals I have ever come to know. She offers her time, presence and heart with such grace that families in pain are drawn to her warmth. Their mission to help families have hope and help in time of need is remarkable.
Amazing Charity. Lorraine and her team do an awesome job of helping families through the difficult and scary journey of childhood cancer. The organization not only provides support, both financially and emotionally, they also provide special t-shirts that have zippers and pockets for port tubes. They are hoping to expand to all hospitals across the United States.