Every year, 500,000 children in the United States face life-threatening medical conditions. Amanda Hope was one of them. With a smile that lit up any room she was in, Amanda kept on dreaming despite being only nine years old when she got diagnosed with leukemia and began a three-year journey of chemotherapy. Frustrated by the need to remove her clothes during treatment, Amanda was inspired to help other children facing the same experience. Within the walls of the hospital, she designed a T-shirt that offered comfort while preserving dignity. Though Amanda Hope passed away in 2012, her legacy lives on through the work of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. Whether it is offering ComfyCozy’s for Chemo©—an adaptive apparel line—counseling resources, or fun events, the Arizona nonprofit is committed to bringing a part of Amanda’s sunshine to those affected by childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This organization was also recently named MJ’s 2025-2027 Arizona Charity of Choice, signaling a two-year partnership in which it will receive a $5,000 grant from the MJ Foundation for each year of its participation ($10,000 total), Day(s) of Service with MJ associates, and communication spotlights. 

Life-threatening pediatric diseases impact families in multiple ways. Financially, medical care represents significant costs that pile on top of daily needs like transportation, housing, and food. Through the financial assistance program, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels covers those here-and-now expenses and allows families to focus on the recovery of their child.   

As much as financial support is impactful, navigating a journey of uncertainties takes a toll on the entire family’s mental health. Acknowledging this burden, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels provides an extensive comfort and care program. A team of licensed counselors, coaches, and mentors provide free supportive services that teach healthy coping skills and aid in the development of resilience when it is needed the most.  

Finally, in the middle of hard journeys, distractions are welcomed with open arms. The major distractions program gives space for people to step away from the everyday burdens of battling pediatric diseases. Whether it is a spa night, an afternoon of pickleball, or sharing lunch with other families, the events hosted by Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels shape a supportive community. In the words of a warrior himself, “I came to Teen Taco Night at Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels afraid and depressed for my upcoming surgeries. I met a group of teens that were just like me. I left that night feeling like I was not in this alone. I told my mom it was the best night of my life.” 

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels can make these services accessible to families in Arizona free of charge with the support of sponsors, donors, and the sales of ComfyCozy’s for Chemo©. Inspired by the original t-shirt designed by Amanda Hope, the clothing has multiple features that make central lines easily accessible and maintain the dignity of patients during treatment. The shirts are also customizable and feature fun, colorful, tie-dye designs that can give joy directly to patients. While 100% of the clothing sales go into the nonprofit, they are also gifted to warriors under 18 years old in children’s hospitals and as part of “No More Chemo” party boxes when they finish treatment.  

There are many ways your time, talent, and treasure can support Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels’ mission to bring dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Here’s some of them: 

At MJ, we deeply admire the incredible work being done by this inspiring organization, and we’re proud to support their mission through the MJ Foundation. Stay connected with Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels and follow us on social media to keep up with the latest opportunities. We’ll be highlighting their impactful work throughout the next two years of our partnership.