From unimaginable loss to hard-fought survival, these four Valley-based foundations were born of experience, resilience, and the promise of legacy. Each carries forward a mission rooted in love, service, and the determination to ensure no family walks their journey alone.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Founder, Lorraine Tallman
Amanda fought hard, and very rarely complained. Somehow, she always had a smile. Even in the beginning of her battle, when she shared hospital rooms with other young warriors, she instinctively cared for those around her. She was compassionate, strong, and endlessly giving.
Her mother Lorraine remembers the first signs: exhaustion, headaches, flu-like symptoms.
“Nine-year-olds don’t get migraines,” she insisted at the pediatrician’s office.
Hours later, tests confirmed Amanda had leukemia. The next three years were grueling- endless hospital nights, side effects, and uncertainty- but when remission came, they celebrated with a “No More Chemo Party.”
“Seeing the glow and smile on Amanda’s face was priceless,” her mom recalls.
The cancer returned, and Amanda faced it again with courage. At just 12, she imagined a shirt that gave children dignity during treatment- Comfycozys for Chemo. Before she passed, she made her mother promise to help other children fighting cancer. That promise became Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels.
Today, the foundation eases financial burdens, provides counseling, celebrates milestones, and distributes adaptive apparel. It also helped inspire the FDA-approved Amanda™ Port Stabilizer, reducing trauma for countless patients.
“If Amanda could see it, she’d say, ‘Big hugs, Mama. Never give up.’”
amandahope.org
Baller Dream Foundation
Founder, Francis Joseph DeBlasi
At 29, Francis Joseph DeBlasi heard the words no one wants to hear: cancer.
“I was so grateful for the support I had from family and friends, and I immediately knew that I had to pay it forward after my battle,” he recalls.
His mother, Rita, became his rock... waiting for him every day in treatment with graham crackers and ginger ale. His oncology team gave him hope with a clear game plan. But looking around the treatment room, he noticed something else: young adults and children fighting the same fight without the resources or support he had.
“To an extent, I felt guilty because I had so much. That thought became the catalyst to form a foundation.”
In 2019, the Baller Dream Foundation officially launched, supporting pediatric and young adult cancer warriors ages 0–29 through treatment, remission, and beyond.
“Most organizations stop at 18. I was 29 at diagnosis. I wanted to include this overlooked population.”
From dream gifts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences- like flying a 10-year-old foodie to cook with Guy Fieri- to in-hospital crafts, community events, and critical financial assistance, Baller Dream has built what DeBlasi calls a “Ballerhood.”
“It’s one of the most personal and authentic missions you’ll ever find,” he says. “Our Ballers give us strength. God bless them all.”
ballerdream.org
Wylder Nation Foundation
Co-Founder, Steven Laffoon
“Wylder James was our firstborn, the one who made us parents,” his family shares. “He had a contagious laugh, often making him tip over with joy. He loved books, the zoo, dinners out, and exploring new places. He was calm, easygoing, and truly the light of our lives.”
Though Wylder could not speak, his strength was undeniable.
“He was a warrior... braver and stronger than anyone we’ve ever known," says Steven Laffoon, Wylder's dad.
His parents remember hospital stays, procedures, and long searches for answers, but what endures are the moments of joy.
“He taught us to live in the moment and never take life for granted.”
When Wylder passed, his family transformed their grief into purpose by creating the Wylder Nation Foundation.
“We promised him we would continue the fight for others. Families facing ASMD and other ultra-rare diseases deserve more than hopelessness.”
Today, the foundation drives research, secures experimental drug access, connects families worldwide, and pushes toward life-saving clinical trials.
“We’ve connected with families all over the world who reach out for help, education, and guidance. We even helped toddlers with ASMD gain access to an experimental drug through the FDA’s Single Patient Investigator Initiated IND pathway. One of those children is now 7 years old- when most with his form of ASMD typically pass away by age 3.”
Wylder's legacy lives on in every child the Foundation fights for.
wyldernation.org
PCH Sage
Ashley Hawkins, Founding President
Phoenix Children’s has introduced PCH Sage, a new women’s giving group committed to advancing mental health care through advocacy, funding, and community support.
“The name Sage was intentional,” says Ashley Hawkins, founding president. “A sage is a wise woman: caring, healing, and strong.”
According to Ashley, kids arriving at Phoenix Children’s in mental health crisis has skyrocketed- from 64 in 2008 to more than 1,400 in 2018. Today, more than seven children a day arrive in crisis, often waiting over 34 hours for care.
“Our children are struggling right now. Sage is about women uniting with passion and purpose to bridge that gap.”
On December 7th, PCH Sage will host its inaugural Secret Garden Soiree, a refined luncheon with floral sophistication, highlighted by a live fashion show. Presented in partnership with Amy Atelier and Cinq à Sept, the event will serve as Sage’s signature kickoff. Event Chairs Monique Hampton and Somer Zimmerman are leading the charge with an ambitious fundraising goal, rallying community support and showcasing the powerful change women can achieve when united with purpose.
phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/giving-groups/pch-sage