September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. And while this is our annual Style Issue, we are showcasing what is truly in style: strength.
For this special feature, we stepped inside Ava’s Treehouse, where childhood is protected just as fiercely as health, to bring a little fun and fashion to five remarkable children.
Operated by Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, the 12,000-square-foot Scottsdale facility was created by founder Chrisie Abramo in memory of her daughter, Ava. It gives children facing cancer and their families something treatment can so easily take away: a place to exhale, connect and simply be together.
Under one roof, children can explore the Imagination Station, create freely in the Paint Splatter Room and Art Studio, spend time with specially trained therapy dogs or hang out in the Teen Center. Families also have access to counseling, meals, tutoring, financial assistance, a pantry and dedicated spaces for rest and respite.
We created this photo shoot to celebrate these children beyond their diagnoses and give each of them a moment centered entirely on who they are. Katie Wilson, owner of Garage Boutique & Concept Store in Old Town, brought that vision to life, styling each child in a look shaped by their favorite colors, interests and personality.
Cancer may be part of their stories, but it does not define them. Their strength, spirit and individuality deserve the spotlight.
ELLA G., AGE 6
Loves: KPop Demon Hunters
Ella is wearing a romantic floral dress from Oilily, found at Garage Boutique. Paired with a playful handbag and classic Western-inspired boots, the look creates an unexpected mix of vintage charm and modern adventure.
BOBBY V., AGE 5
Loves: Spider-Man
Bobby is wearing a tailored pinstripe suit from European label Scotch & Soda, layered over a bold graphic tee. The combination proves children’s fashion can be polished and playful at once.
BELLA H., AGE 8
Loves: Making slime
“A girl can never have enough pearls” is one of Katie Wilson’s favorite style rules, and Bella wears the philosophy perfectly. Delicate, refined and classic, the look leaves plenty of room for the playful personality underneath.
SARA H., AGE 6
Loves: Princesses
Sara is wearing a playful animal-print dress finished with Garage Boutique’s signature sweater styling. Relaxed, contemporary and effortlessly chic, the look brings a little unexpected edge to her love of all things sparkly.
MADELINE F., AGE 9
Loves: Animals and all things pink
Madeline is wearing a whimsical tulle skirt from Fendi, paired with vibrant knit layers. Metallic boots and cheerful color blocking add a modern twist while allowing her bright personality to shine.
7th Annual Ava’s Treehouse Gala
Join Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children for an unforgettable evening at The Phoenician featuring a hosted cocktail hour, exquisite dinner, live and silent auctions, and more. Every dollar raised helps ACFC continue providing critical financial, emotional and social support to children battling cancer and their families.
Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6–10 p.m. | The Phoenician
Gala Co-Chairs: Lisa Moore, Robyn Patterson and Catherine Carrillo-Williams
Honorary Chairs: Amy and Paul Goldschmidt, Lyndsay and Ben Hayes, Lacey and Max Homa, Caroline and Matt Londen, Jen and Jim Mackay, Abby and Conner Tryhus, and Ashley and Justin Upton
Event Emcee: Nadine Bubeck, Owner/Publisher, PVCL/SCL
azcancerfoundation.org/event/7th-annual-avas-treehouse-gala/