In a heartwarming moment that captured the spirit of hope and resilience, 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills, a pediatric cancer patient at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, saw her dream come to life on the racetrack. Diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022, Rhealynn faced 19 surgeries, including the amputation of her right leg. Yet, her unbreakable spirit shone through as she designed a vibrant paint scheme for NASCAR star Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway on June 28, 2025. Her design, part of the Chase Elliott Foundation’s “Desi9n to Drive” program, became a symbol of courage, propelling Elliott to a triumphant victory that ended his 44-race winless streak.
Rhealynn’s artwork was more than just a splash of color. Featuring gold childhood cancer ribbons, stethoscopes, heart monitors, and the phrases “Cure Cancer” and “Helping kids like me,” her design reflected her aspiration to become a nurse. A Bible verse, Psalm 46:5—“God is within you, you will not fail”—adorned the car’s rear decklid, weaving her faith into the masterpiece. The design wasn’t just a visual; it was a beacon of hope for pediatric cancer patients, raising nearly half a million dollars for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the program’s nine-year run.
As Elliott crossed the finish line, the crowd roared, but the real magic happened in Victory Lane. Rhealynn, joined by her family from Thomasville, stood beside Elliott as he leaned into the camera, his smile wide with gratitude. “Thanks to all you guys because this right here, you can’t dream of this. Rhealynn Mills designed a fast NAPA Chevrolet tonight,” he said, his voice brimming with pride. For Rhealynn, watching her creation speed to victory was surreal. “It was cool,” she said simply, her understated words masking the enormity of the moment.
The celebration didn’t end there. Elliott, moved by the experience, announced an auction of his race-worn gear to raise funds for pediatric cancer patients. “Let’s raise some money to benefit Rhealynn and all the wonderful kids battling cancer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” he posted on X, sharing a video that quickly went viral. The clip, capturing Rhealynn’s joy, resonated across social media, amplifying the message of hope and community.
This victory was more than a win for Elliott; it was a testament to the power of collaboration between athletes, young dreamers, and a community united for a cause. Rhealynn’s story, paired with Elliott’s heartfelt tribute, reminds us that even in the face of adversity, creativity and kindness can drive change. As her design sped into history, it left an indelible mark on NASCAR and the hearts of fans everywhere, proving that hope can outrace even the toughest challenges.
