Amanda Tallman may have lost her battle with childhood cancer, but her dream of having a clothing line, assuring dignity and modesty for children who have had a central line inserted, lives in her memory through Comfycozys for Chemo.
Amanda’s family, Lorraine, Marty, Rachel and Leah, started a nonprofit organization just 18 months ago. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels produces the Comfycozys for Chemo T-shirts.
A central line is a long, thin, flexible tube inserted into the chest as a way to give medicines, fluids, nutrients or blood products over a long period of time. As Amanda endured three years of chemotherapy, she made her wishes for the future known. Amanda’s dream was for peekaboo pockets in her clothing line, while her mom’s dream was the actual shirt design.
Spirited and compassionate, Amanda would ask, “Mom, are you listening to me, with two ears?” She then made a request. “Mom, look at me,” Amanda said. “You are to help every child, Mom.” And she has. Comfycozys honor Amanda’s wish.
It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to always remove your shirt for the nurses, but with a bright, tie-dyed Comfycozys for Chemo T-shirt, all a patient has to do is unzip either side of the shirt, and the rest of the body is not exposed.
Comfycozys are given free of charge to every child who gets a central line, from size newborn to 2x. As Amanda’s mom Lorraine said, “Comfycozys empower a child in a world where they have no power. You have the choice to be touched and say, ‘It’s OK to touch me here.’”
Comfycozys currently are in 12 states. The goal is to have them in all pediatric hospitals in the United States. Amanda’s mom has a background in sales, product development and marketing. In addition, her unending motivation and passion for carrying out her daughter’s wishes is what makes this nonprofit organization what it is today and what it will become in the future.
More than 3,000 children already have received Comfycozys. “It is another kiss of God,” Lorraine said. Besides the apparel, Comfycozys for Chemo has a presence in the hospitals. Devoted volunteers bring joy to the patients and families with special events, such as ice cream socials and spa days. “Laugh every day, and help a family a day,” Lorraine suggests to her volunteers.
Comfyozys for Chemo relies on donations and grants to make a difference for these children. Every year, Amanda’s family holds its signature event. This past year, on Dec. 18, they held a holiday fund-raising event, at Kincaid’s, in Phoenix.
For $25, you can make a difference in the life of a child with a central line by visiting the website and making a donation. “Learn you have to wring out every ounce of life because you are not promised tomorrow,” said Lorraine.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is a nonprofit support and education organization, designated as a 501(c)3 tax-deductible and tax-exempt organization. For more information about how you can help Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels and Comfyozys for Chemo bring dignity to a child facing long-term treatment, visit www.comfycozys.com.