Solana’s Story: A Love for Art, Nature & Others

September 15, 2025

At just twelve years old, Solana already knows the power of creativity, “I love poetry, painting, drawing, acting, and singing.” Whether she’s sketching colorful worlds or belting out a song, Solana’s art reflects her vibrant spirit and her belief that beauty can bloom from any challenge.

Born with an immune deficiency, Solana has spent much of her young life navigating hospital visits and careful routines. But she doesn’t let that define her. “Singing makes me feel amazing,” she shares. “It lets me take all the bad stuff from my day out and into my music. It just makes me feel so powerful, like I could do anything with my voice.”

That strength and joy also shine in her artwork, where color becomes a language of resilience. Her recent piece, Prism of Love, earned her the 2025 Rare Artists Award from the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases. This spring, she’ll bring her art and her voice to Capitol Hill during Rare Disease Week, using her story to inspire and advocate for others like her.

Through CC4C (Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children), Solana and her family were introduced to Candlelight Ranch, a place where children of all abilities can “feel strong and capable” through nature-based adventure and healing. There, Solana found something special: peace, laughter, and connection. “I’ve been in love with nature more than I have in a while,” she says. “It makes me feel like I have the world at my fingertips.”

Solana’s compassion extends beyond her art, she helps care for her younger sister, who has significant medical needs, and loves “helping people that need help, like homeless people or people with disabilities like my sister.” Solana explains “I love my sister so much, and she brings a lot of joy. When she smiles it makes me smile.” Her mom describes Candlelight Ranch as a place that gave them “a moment to breathe and a memory of pure happiness.”

Each greeting card in this collection celebrates Solana’s world; filled with color, kindness, and courage. Through her art, she reminds us all that love, imagination, and hope can turn even the hardest days into something beautiful.