September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In our annual Style Issue, we are celebrating four children who remind us that strength never goes out of style.
In the pages ahead, you will meet four young warriors who have faced diagnoses, treatments and hospital visits no child should ever have to understand. But they are also so much more than what they have endured. They are funny, fashionable, curious, creative and full of personality. Cancer is part of their stories, but it does not define them.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels brings dignity, comfort and hope to children navigating cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, while surrounding their families with critical support and community. Through this special feature, we are honored to share four of those remarkable stories.
Katie Wilson, owner of Garage Boutique & Concept Store in Old Town, styled each look.
JACKSON “JACK” JUDD
Age: 4
Diagnosis: Hepatoblastoma
As told by his mom
What He’s Wearing: Jack is wearing a tailored European ensemble from Scotch & Soda, available at Garage Boutique & Concept Store, featuring crisp stripes, classic navy separates and modern sneakers. Styled by owner Katie Wilson, the look balances timeless sophistication with the playful energy that defines childhood.
His Story
Jack is a spunky, energetic and chatty little boy who builds elaborate Lego creations, fights imaginary dragons, plays superheroes and does makeup with his little sister.
“While cancer is part of his story, it has never been the first thing I think about when I think of Jack,” his mom shares. “I think about his huge personality, his contagious smile, and the way he brings joy to every room he walks into.”
At 20 months old, Jack was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma after his parents took him to the emergency room. His complex case eventually brought the family to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where he received a life-saving liver transplant. Over seven months, Jack endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and 161 consecutive days as an inpatient. After his transplant, Jack was surrounded by monitors.
Still, he smiled with his eyes, squeezed his parents’ hands and found little ways to hum along to Frozen.
“In one of the hardest moments of his life, his joy still found a way to shine through,” his mom remembers.
Since coming home, Jack has relearned how to walk, run and eat. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has continued supporting the entire family through practical assistance, parent mentorship, counseling and opportunities to create joyful memories together.
RILEY-QUINN SOLIS
Age: 2
Diagnosis: Optic Nerve Glioma
As told by her mom
What She’s Wearing
Riley-Quinn is wearing a beautifully tailored tweed dress accented with pearl details, paired with classic gold Mary Jane shoes and a petite handbag. Inspired by timeless Parisian style, the look is sweet, refined and celebrates the elegance of childhood. All pieces are available at Garage Boutique & Concept Store.
Her Story
Riley-Quinn Solis was 7 months old when she was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma. She has now spent nearly 18 months on chemotherapy, but cancer is only one chapter of her story.
At 2 years old, Riley-Quinn is joyful, curious and determined, with a personality far bigger than her tiny frame. She loves dinosaurs, music and bubbles and carries her baby dragon everywhere.
One moment captures her spirit best. After an especially difficult day of treatment, music began playing in the hospital. Riley-Quinn smiled and started to dance, reminding everyone around her that joy can exist even in the hardest places.
Through countless appointments, procedures and treatments, she has shown her family a strength they never imagined possible in someone so young. Riley-Quinn has taught them that bravery is not always loud. Sometimes, it looks like a little girl holding her baby dragon, smiling through another hospital visit and choosing joy.
Her story embodies the mission of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels: bringing dignity, comfort and hope to childhood cancer warriors and their families. Riley-Quinn is so much more than her diagnosis.
“I hope Riley-Quinn always knows that she is brave, strong, deeply loved and wonderfully unique. Most of all, I hope she knows that she has been a light to everyone fortunate enough to know her, and that her story is one of courage, hope, happiness and endless love.”
ZOEY ARAIZA
Age: 15
Diagnosis: Leukemia
As told by Zoey
What She’s Wearing
Zoey is wearing a Balmain Paris sweater from Garage Boutique & Concept Store, paired with relaxed denim and playful leopard-print flats. The look is polished yet approachable, proving that casual style can still make a sophisticated statement.
Her Story
I was a normal, healthy ninth grader. I went to school, danced and hung out with my friends. Then last October, I started experiencing horrible pain in my back and legs. After about a month of doctor appointments and blood work, they finally figured out what was happening. I started chemotherapy the very next day.
Chemo changed how I saw myself on the outside. Having my nails done helps me feel pretty and confident again. I also express myself through what I wear. I like choosing pieces that show my interests, especially from my collection of Twilight shirts.
My bedroom and bathroom are another reflection of who I am. I love interior design, so I decorated both spaces with all my favorite things. Almost everything is pink.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has supported both me and my mom. Every Thursday when we are at the hospital, they bring snacks and create an opportunity for the parents to sit together, talk and offer one another advice. Having that support means a lot to us.
Cancer has shown me that I can do hard things. I can be scared and brave at the same time. It has also taught me that life is not a checklist and everything does not have to get done right away. Sometimes, life is about the little things, like making cupcakes.
If I could describe my heart, it would be love and sparkles. I try to lead with love because I want everyone to be happy and healthy.
Most of all, I want people to know that I am strong. Not even cancer can slow me down.
KENNEDY FRIEDLANDER
Age: 4
Diagnosis: Grade E Retinoblastoma
As told by her mom
What She’s Wearing
Kennedy is wearing a timeless black-and-white tweed dress paired with Rock Star tennis shoes and a Garage Boutique “Mini Me” handbag, giving a classic silhouette a playful twist. Katie styled the look to celebrate Kennedy’s individuality, proving that sophistication and imagination can go hand in hand.
Her Story
One night while reading bedtime stories, Kennedy’s parents noticed an unusual white glow in her eye. They took her to the pediatrician the very next day, and within days, their fear became reality. Kennedy was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer.
After initially being referred to specialists in Los Angeles, her family transferred her care to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. There, Kennedy began intra-arterial chemotherapy in hopes of saving her eye. She has responded incredibly well, and the family continues traveling to New York each month as her doctors work to eliminate every remaining cancer cell.
Beyond her diagnosis, Kennedy is a vibrant, expressive and very loving little girl. She sings, dances, cares for her dolls and stuffed animals, and adores everything pink. She lights up when given the freedom to make her own choices, whether she is packing her suitcase for another medical trip or assembling her own plate of snacks for movie night.
One dinner perfectly captured her playful spirit. Kennedy ordered carrot sticks for her meal, requested a second helping and then began interpretive dancing around the restaurant to Pearl Jam. When dessert arrived, she insisted on carrot cake and accepted nothing less.
Her cancer journey has revealed extraordinary bravery, curiosity and compassion. Kennedy wants to understand her treatments and appointments, but she also remains deeply concerned about the well-being of those around her. She reminds her family to slow down, live in the moment and care for one another through small, intentional gestures, like an unexpected hug or a pretend cup of tea delivered from her playset.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has been a source of comfort and support throughout the hardest season of her family’s life. For Kennedy’s mom, the caregiver support and moms group have provided a safe place to connect with women who truly understand the fear, emotion and challenges of childhood cancer. Knowing their entire family is seen, encouraged and never alone has meant more than words can express.
“I hope Kennedy always knows how incredibly special she is and how much joy she brings to everyone she meets. She is a ray of light when she enters a room and wise beyond her years.”
garageboutique.com
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels 14th Annual Night of Hope
Join Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels for the 14th Annual Night of Hope on Friday, October 2nd at 6 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. This unforgettable evening celebrates courage and the beautiful spirit of Amanda while raising critical funds to bring dignity, comfort and support to children fighting cancer and the families beside them. Join us for a night that turns generosity into hope for young warriors.
amandahope.org