Our Angel Inspiration
Tessa
Angel Inspiration
Michigan
Just weeks after starting Whip Pediatric Cancer, I met 7-year-old Tessa Prothero — a vibrant little girl in a headscarf and heels who quickly became my soulmate and best friend. She was so much more than a child with cancer; she changed everything for me.
When Tessa passed away at just 9 years old, my world shattered, but her spirit became the fire that fuels this mission.
Desi
Angel Inspiration
California
Desi was the first child I lost after starting Whip Pediatric Cancer, and she changed me forever. She was truly something special, wise beyond her years, stunning, articulate, and perfect in every way. You could always find her with her purse in hand, her phone close by, and her beloved baby dolls, Kelly and Ava, right at her side. Desi carried herself with a quiet strength and grace that left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. We continue to honor her beautiful spirit by working alongside her family to share Desi Dolls with other children through WHIP Pediatric Cancer, so her love and comfort can keep reaching those who need it most. We will never stop fighting for kids like Desi.
Riley
Angel Inspiration
California
Riley Rose brought so much light into every room she was in. She loved to color, sing, and let her imagination run wild, and I was so lucky to meet her while I was in college at Michigan State during her treatment in Michigan. We spent time together doing arts and crafts, laughing and creating, and she had a way of turning even the simplest moments into something special. Riley was the best storyteller, full of creativity and heart, and being with her was always a reminder of how powerful joy and imagination can be. We willl never stop fighting for kids like Riley!
Corey
Angel Inspiration
New Zealand
Corey came all the way from New Zealand to New York City for treatment, and even in the middle of something so heavy, he carried a kind of joy that felt impossible to ignore. He could turn the simplest moments into something magical, playing in cardboard boxes, racing his remote control cars, and lighting up whenever Mickey Mouse was around. There was such innocence and sweetness in everything he did. Corey gave the kind of hugs you never wanted to let go of, and his laugh was soft, pure, and unforgettable. I feel so lucky to have spent that time with him. His spirit stays with me, and I will never stop fighting for kids like Corey, who show us what true courage and joy really mean.
Karma
Angel Inspiration
Georgia
Karma was so much more than a child I met through this journey, she became one of my best friends. She had the biggest personality, spunky, sassy, and full of that unforgettable southern charm that made everyone around her smile. You always knew when Karma was around. She would walk in with a bow bigger than her head, little heels on, completely owning every room she entered. She was funny in a way that just came so naturally, always making jokes, always bringing the sass, and always keeping everyone laughing no matter what she was going through. But beyond that, she had such a strong, beautiful spirit that made her truly larger than life. Losing her left a space that can never be filled. I miss her more than words can say, and I carry her with me in everything I do. I will always keep fighting for her and for every child like her who deserves so much more time.
Shanaya
Angel Inspiration
South Africa
After surviving her own fight with Ewing sarcoma, Victoria has been an integral part of Whip Pediatric Cancer since the very beginning. As COO, she oversees the day-to-day operations that keep our mission moving forward. From giving family support and hope, to sending care packages, and heart of gold kits. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her heart and dedication are felt in every detail. Our kids love her so much! Her journey as a survivor fuels her passion to ensure no child or family walks this fight alone.
Mackenzie
Angel Inspiration
Florida
Mackenzie, our Kenzie, was truly one of a kind. She was the Uno champion, always ready to play and somehow always winning, with that little smile that made it impossible not to laugh. She had the biggest love for axolotls, and such a bright, curious mind that you could see in everything she did. She was incredibly smart, but even more than that, she was so deeply kind and sweet in a way that stayed with you.
Every week when she was in the hospital just over the bridge from my apartment, I would go sit with her and her mom. Those moments meant everything to me. We made slime, colored pictures, and just spent time together, creating small pockets of joy in the middle of something so heavy. On our very first visit, she made me a beaded keychain that said “BFF,” and I have held onto that ever since. It wasn’t just a craft, it was who she was, loving, thoughtful, and always thinking of others.
Mason
Angel Inspiration
Kansas
Mason was truly one of my favorite people in the world. He was quiet and didn’t open up to just anyone, but for some reason, he always talked to me, and that meant everything. Once you got to know him, you saw this completely different side of him. He was so funny, effortlessly making jokes and making me laugh in a way that only he could.
He loved Fortnite, and some of my favorite memories are just sitting with him, doing homework together, talking, and laughing over the smallest things. Those moments were simple, but they meant so much. Being on the receiving end of his love and trust is something I will always feel so grateful for.
Mason had a way of letting you in that felt rare and special. I will always hold onto those memories, the laughs, the quiet moments, and the friendship we shared.
Elijah
Angel Inspiration
Ohio
Elijah was pure joy. He was always running around barefoot without a care in the world, playing hide and seek, laughing, and just being a kid in the most beautiful way. There was something so free and light about him, the kind of energy that made everyone around him smile.
He was the sweetest boy, so deeply loved by all of his siblings, and that love was something you could feel immediately. The way they played together, the way they looked at him, it was so special.
Elijah’s life, his laughter, and his spirit will never be forgotten. And now, as his baby sister Hazel bravely fights the same disease, we carry Elijah with us even more, honoring him by continuing to show up, to support, and to fight for families like theirs every single day.
Arianna
Neuroendocrine Tumor Specialist at MSKCC
Minnesota
Ari was the absolute cutest, and from the moment we met, we just clicked. There was something so easy and natural about being around her. I’ll always remember sitting in her hospital room making duct tape crafts together, laughing and creating, turning such a difficult place into something filled with joy.
She always wore the biggest headbands, and somehow her smile was even bigger. It lit up her whole face and everyone around her. Ari had this fun, bright energy that made you feel happy just being near her. She was so special, and I will always hold onto those memories of her and the happiness she brought into every moment.
Mason
Angel Inspiration
Florida
I had the privilege of meeting Mason through my nonprofit, WHIP Pediatric Cancer, and from the very beginning, his love for hockey stood out to me. It reminded me so much of my brother, which made our connection feel even more special. One day in the hospital, even while hooked up to his IV, Mason didn’t hesitate to play knee hockey with me. The room filled with laughter, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Mason had this incredible ability to bring joy wherever he went. Whether we were laughing over “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza,” talking about his favorite teams, or hearing his funny Halloween stories, he made every moment feel light. He was so smart, so full of life, and had the kindest heart, always thinking of others, like when he made rainbow bracelets for the nurses.
Kimi
Angel Inspiration
California
Kimi was effortlessly cool in a way that you couldn’t teach, but what made her truly special was how incredibly smart, kind, and genuine she was. She was always singing, dancing, and performing, completely in her element, like the world was her stage. There was such a natural confidence and joy in the way she expressed herself.
She had this deeply nurturing, artistic, and creative soul. You could feel it in everything she did, the way she moved, the way she connected with people, the way she brought beauty into even the smallest moments. Kimi had a presence that stayed with you.
She was truly so beautiful, inside and out, and being around her felt like witnessing something really special. I will always carry her spirit with me, her creativity, her light, and the way she made the world feel a little brighter.
Ella
Angel Inspiration
Kansas
We would FaceTime often, and those calls meant so much to me. No matter the distance, we stayed close, and I felt so lucky to have that connection with her. She even had us come visit her in Kansas, which just shows how much love she gave and how deeply she cared.
Ella was so special in the quietest, most genuine way. She is so deeply loved and so incredibly missed by everyone who knew her, and I feel beyond lucky to have been someone who got to experience her love.
Nicolas
Angel Inspiration
New York
Nicolas had the biggest personality and the most lovable spirit. He would always say I was his girlfriend and call me “Zay Zay,” and it never failed to make me laugh. He was truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, always joking, always smiling, and always finding a way to make everyone around him feel happy.
He had this perfect mix of being hilarious and incredibly sweet, and it made him impossible not to adore. Every moment with him felt light and full of joy, and he had a way of making even the hardest days feel a little easier.
I feel so grateful to have known Nicolas and to have been a part of his life. His sister Gianna continues to be such a special part of WHIP Pediatric Cancer, and through her and their family, his spirit continues to live on. I will always carry Nicolas with me and hold onto the love and laughter he brought into my life.
Charlotte
Angel Inspiration
Oklahoma
Charlotte was the most beautiful little girl, so delicate and such a true girly girl in every way. She was so smart, so sweet, and so full of love, the kind of love you could feel instantly just being around her. There was something so gentle and special about her, but at the same time, she had a presence that stayed with you long after you left.
She was my sidekick, my best friend, and such a huge part of my heart. Charlotte wasn’t just someone I knew, she was one of the biggest reasons I continue this fight every single day. She inspired me in ways I will never be able to fully explain.
She was truly unlike anyone I have ever met, so rare, so genuine, and so deeply loved. I feel beyond lucky to have known her, to have loved her, and to have been loved by her. Charlotte was a gift to this world, and her light will stay with me forever.
Sarina
Angel Inspiration
New York
Sarina was my age, and she wasn’t just someone I met through this journey, she was one of my best friends. Our relationship felt so normal in the most beautiful way. We talked about everything, giving each other relationship advice, picking out outfits, talking through college drama, and everything in between, even cancer. She was someone I could go to for anything, and she always showed up with honesty, humor, and so much love.
She truly felt like an angel on earth. There was something so effortless about her, always wearing Boys Lie, always herself, always real. She had this presence that made you feel understood and less alone, no matter what you were going through.
I miss her more than I can put into words. I find myself looking for her in little moments, wishing I could call her or hear her thoughts on something small. Knowing her was a gift I will carry with me forever, and I will always remember her, not just for what she went through, but for who she was, my friend.
Aubrey
Angel Inspiration
Florida
Aubrey was my best friend, and there are no words that will ever fully capture what she meant to me. She was everything all at once, a softball glove in one hand and a microphone in the other, perfectly balancing being a girly girl and an all star athlete. She loved Taylor Swift, singing at the top of her lungs, dancing, drawing, shopping, Disney, and anything that sparkled or shined. She didn’t just have interests, she had a passion for life that you could feel in everything she did.
Aubrey had this rare way of embodying the best parts of everyone and everything. She was beautiful, stylish, and full of personality, always putting together the most incredible outfits that somehow captured exactly who she was. But what made her truly unforgettable wasn’t just how she looked or what she loved, it was her heart. She loved deeply and fully, always showing up for her family and friends with so much care and intention.
Her strength and courage were beyond anything I have ever seen. She faced everything with grace, with positivity, and with a determination to keep living life to the fullest no matter what stood in her way. She was a light in every sense of the word, someone who could walk into a room and instantly make it brighter.
Aubrey was a force, a once in a lifetime kind of person. She was magic, she was love, she was strength, and she was joy all wrapped into one beautiful soul. I feel so lucky to have been loved by her, to have shared life with her, and to carry her with me in everything I do. She was, and always will be, a gift to this world.
Natalie
Angel Inspiration
Arizona
Natalie was like my baby sister, and from the moment she came into my life, she became part of my family. We did everything together, calling each other “pookie pookie,” spending the entire summer side by side, making memories I will hold onto forever. Being with her felt so natural, like she was always meant to be in my life.
She was beautiful beyond words, not just on the outside, but in the way she loved, laughed, and saw the world. She was hilarious, always making me laugh, and at the same time, so wise beyond her years. There was something so special about her, something that made you stop and realize just how incredible she was.
I loved everything about her, from her YouTube videos to our dance parties in the hospital, playing with dolls, and all of our crazy little adventures. Even in the hardest places, she found ways to bring joy and light into every moment.
I absolutely adored her, and I always will. Natalie wasn’t just someone I knew, she was my girl, my pookie, my family. And I will carry her love with me forever.
Sara
Angel Inspiration
New York
Sara had a quiet way of making people feel comfortable the moment they were around her. She was so kind, so smart, and had this easy, fun energy that made spending time with her feel effortless. She carried herself with a maturity beyond her years, but at the same time, she knew how to laugh, joke, and just enjoy being a teenager.
There was something really special about Sara, the way she listened, the way she cared, and the way she showed up for the people around her. She had a gentle strength and a warmth that stayed with you long after you were with her.
I feel so lucky to have known her and to have shared even small moments together. Sara was truly one of those people you don’t forget, and her kindness and spirit will always stay with me
Juju
Angel Inspiration
Illinois
Juju, my girl, someone I love with my whole heart. She was the kind of person who just made everything feel brighter. Always doing her makeup, adding her bows, putting herself together in the most beautiful, thoughtful way. She had this presence that was so soft and dainty, yet at the same time, she was such a force.
She had the kind of personality that I hope my future daughter has one day. So full of life, so loving, so effortlessly herself. Juju was incredibly smart, so sweet, and truly so beautiful, those big blue eyes that you could never forget. But what made her the most special wasn’t just how she looked, it was how deeply she loved.
She loved big, without hesitation, in a way that you don’t come across often. She was one of the best people I have ever known, someone who left a mark on my heart forever. Juju was light, she was love, she was everything, and I will carry her with me for the rest of my life.
Lola
Angel Inspiration
New York
Lola was my very first hospital visit, and she will always hold such a monumental place in my heart because of that. She was so small, so sweet, my little ladybug, and from the moment I met her, I absolutely adored her.
There was something so pure and gentle about Lola. She had the softest presence, full of love in the quietest, most beautiful way. Even in such a difficult place, she brought a sense of warmth that stayed with you.
She was truly the sweetest, and she changed me from the very beginning of this journey. Lola will always be a part of why I do this, and I will carry her with me, my little ladybug, forever.
Imke
Angel Inspiration
South Africa
She didn’t speak English, but somehow that never mattered. We had a bond that went beyond words, something felt and understood without needing to be said. She was so incredibly sweet, so gentle, and so beautiful in a way that stayed with you.
I wish I had more time with her, that I could have known her longer, but I feel so grateful for the moments we did share. She showed me that love doesn’t need language, it doesn’t need perfect communication, it just exists, and she gave that so freely.
Even without words, I felt her heart, and I will carry that with me forever.
Trinity
Angel Inspiration
Ohio
I met Trinity in the playroom at Ronald, and from that moment, we just connected. There was something so easy and natural about being around her, like we were meant to meet. Getting to adopt her for Christmas and be a part of her life is something I will always treasure deeply.
Trinity was so silly, so fun, and completely herself in the best way. She had this goofy, funny personality that made every moment with her feel light and full of laughter. She didn’t try to be anything other than who she was, and that made her so special.
She brought so much joy into my life, and I will always hold onto those memories of her laughter, her energy, and the happiness she carried with her everywhere she went.
Kaia
Angel Inspiration
Connecticut
Kaia was the sweetest little girl, and from the moment I met her, I felt such a genuine connection to her. She had this soft, beautiful presence that made you just want to sit with her and soak in every moment. I remember bringing her a Desi Doll and seeing how much she adored it, the way her face lit up is something I will never forget.
She was truly so beautiful, not just in how she looked, but in the way she was. So gentle, so loving, and so easy to be around. Being with Kaia felt special, like even the quiet moments meant something.
I feel so lucky to have known her and to have shared those moments together. She will always stay with me in the sweetest way.
Rosie
Angel Inspiration
Florida
Rosie was my friend in both New York and Florida, and because of that, we got to share so many special memories together that I will always hold close to my heart. She was the funniest, sweetest girly girl, always in a dress, always ready for a Target trip, and always bringing so much joy wherever she went. Being with her was just easy, she made everything more fun, more light, and more meaningful.
She loved so big, in a way that was completely selfless and full of compassion. She cared deeply about the people around her, especially her family, and she was the most incredible big sister. There was something so special about the way she showed up for others, always putting love first.
Rosie was truly an amazing girl, and knowing her changed me. I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to continue working with her mom, carrying on her legacy and helping other children in her honor. Rosie’s love didn’t end, it continues to live on through everything we do.
Alexa
Angel Inspiration
New York
Alexa was one of the very first kids I met through WHIP Pediatric Cancer, and in so many ways, we grew up together. Over time, she became so much more than that, she was one of my best friends. We talked almost every day, sharing everything from life to the latest trends, and she was always the one teaching me about makeup and what was cool. Those conversations, those little everyday moments, meant everything to me.
Alexa was beyond beautiful, but what made her truly special was who she was. She was wise beyond her years, an old soul with such depth, and in so many ways, she reminded me of myself. There was a comfort in that, a connection that felt rare and real.
Losing her was beyond devastating, a kind of heartbreak that never really leaves. But I hold onto the peace of knowing she’s reunited in heaven with Tessa. I miss her more than words can say, and I will carry her with me in everything I do, always.
Lily
Angel Inspiration
New York
She was a princess at heart, so full of imagination, sweetness, and light. There was something so special about her energy, she made everything feel more fun, more magical, just by being herself.
She was so incredibly cute, but more than that, she was so deeply loved. I loved her beyond words, and I always will. Her laughter and her spirit will stay with me forever.
Kellen
Angel Inspiration
Michigan
Kellen was hands down one of the funniest kids I have ever met, like truly a comedian without even trying. He always had something to say, and it was always hilarious. His timing, his comments, the way he looked at the world, he just made everything funnier and lighter.
He was Tessa’s Michigan hospital bestie, which made us love him even more, and being around him felt like being around someone who just got it. He was so cool in that effortless way, so easy to talk to, and so much fun to be around.
Kellen had a personality that you don’t forget. He brought so much laughter into every space he was in, and I will always remember him for the joy, humor, and energy he gave to everyone lucky enough to know him.
Lily
Angel Inspiration
California
Lily was quiet at first, a little shy in a way that made you want to gently get to know her. But once we spent that day together, everything changed. In just a few hours at the American Girl store and over hibachi, she opened up in the most beautiful way. I got to see her smile, her sweetness, and the way she let her guard down and just be a kid. That day will stay with me forever, especially knowing it was only a few weeks before she went to heaven.
Lily had the softest, kindest spirit. She loved in such a pure and genuine way, and she made sure everyone around her felt it. There was something so special about her, a quiet strength mixed with a deep love for life that you could feel even in the smallest moments. Being able to get her a puppy, something that brought her so much happiness, is a memory I will always hold close. The joy on her face, the comfort it gave her, it meant everything.
Kaylee
Angel Inspiration
North Carolina
Kaylee brought so much joy and light into every moment we shared. She was the sweetest soul, always making me laugh without even trying. There was something so special about the way she carried herself, full of energy, curiosity, and pure happiness. She loved unicorns, doing flips, and was always so proud to show me her latest tricks, lighting up every time she did. Being able to sponsor her for Christmas is something I will always hold close to my heart, it’s one of my favorite memories with her.
Kaylee also had such a love for Legos, and that playful, creative spirit is something that will stay with me forever. We will always remember her through that joy, her laughter, and the way she made people feel. Her legacy lives on in the little things, and we will continue to carry on her “legocy” with love.