Cancer-Free Princesses Re-Created Their Viral Photoshoot As Brave Survivors After 3 Years
9th March 2017
It was three years ago, baby girls — 3-year-old Rylie, 6-year-old Rheann, and 4-year-old Ainsley — were all over the inter-web while being caught in a supportive embrace. The photoshoot went viral and garnered a lot of love and prayers.
Cut to 2017, the little princesses are cancer-free, healthier and have kicked cancer in the nuts. And, they have once again re-created their viral photoshoot with Lora Scantling, as they did three years ago. Take a look!
1. This is the viral photo of the three fighter girls that made us teary-eyed.
2. Rylie, Rheann and Ainsley re-created the same picture after three years.
3. They are cancer-free and stronger than ever.
4. At the time of the shoot in 2014, Rylie, Rheann and Ainsley didn’t know each but they bonded extremely well during the shoot.
5. “Cancer is like a dragon,” Rheann said in an interview.
6. “Yeah, and chemo is the prince,” Ainsley added.
7. “Cancer messed with the wrong princesses!,” said Rylie.
8. The portraits were born when Lora took to Facebook to put out a post seeking little cancer fighters.
9. The photographer Lora chose to shoot childhood cancer as she had a friend who lost her baby boy to the disease a few years before 2014.
10. The girls reunite each year and take a new portrait together.
These princesses are victorious queens who defeated cancer. ?
Five years later, each of the girls is cancer-free.
(MORE: Mom’s viral post reminds us ‘this stage of life is beautiful, too’)
Photographer Lora Scantling told “Good Morning America” Rheann Franklin, 11, Ainsley Peters, 9, and Rylie Hughey, 8, now come together for a photo every year, though that wasn’t the initial plan.
The Girls in 2019 @Lora Scantling
“After we shot the remission photo a few months after the original photo, we kept getting messages asking about updates of the girls, so we did a one year later portrait,” Scantling said. “Then the next spring rolled around and people started asking for an update again — and every year since.”
Scantling said people inquire about the trio all the time, and as long as they continue to do so, they will pose for an annual photo.
The kids honor the “fallen fighters.” @Lora Scantling
“Not all of them make it,” she said. “It’s important to highlight both sides of this awful disease, because too many kids die from it and it needs more attention and more funding.”
Back in 2014, Rheann Franklin, now 9, Ainsley Peters, now 7, and Rylie Hughey, 6, each battling cancer, met for the first time for a photo session.
Where are they in 2025
As of 2025, the three girls from the viral 2014 photo—Rheann Franklin, Ainsley Peters, and Rylie Hughey—are thriving and continuing to inspire others with their resilience and friendship:
Rheann Franklin (16 years old)
- Has been battling cancer and its effects for 12 years.
- Lives with several health challenges including Alopecia, Scoliosis, cognitive disabilities, and impaired vision.
- Uses a service dog to assist with daily tasks.
- Despite these challenges, she has a vibrant personality and loves bowling and cornhole.
- She won a Silver medal in bowling at the Special Olympics finals and a Bronze in cornhole at the summer games.
Ainsley Peters (15 years old)
- In remission for 10 years from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
- Deals with C-PTSD from her treatment but is actively working through it.
- Passionate about singing and acting, earning superior ratings for her solo performances.
- Aspires to study radiology and psychology to help other children and teens.
Rylie Hughey (13 years old)
- A Stage 5 Wilms Tumor survivor, cancer-free for 10 years.
- Still experiences some lingering effects from chemotherapy.
- Continues to participate in annual photo sessions with Rheann and Ainsley, celebrating their journey and honoring others affected by childhood cancer.
Their bond remains strong, and they recently reunited for a new portrait to mark the 10-year anniversary of their original photo—a powerful reminder of hope, healing, and enduring friendship.
Would you like to see how their story has evolved through the years in photos?
Here’s a deeper look at the inspiring achievements of Rheann Franklin, Ainsley Peters, and Rylie Hughey as of 2025:
Rheann Franklin (Age 16)
- Special Olympics Champion:
Silver Medal in Bowling at the Special Olympics finals
Bronze Medal in Cornhole at the Special Olympics summer games
- Health Advocacy: Despite living with Alopecia, Scoliosis, cognitive disabilities, and impaired vision due to her cancer treatments, Rheann continues to raise awareness about childhood cancer through annual photo sessions.
- Community Spirit: Known for her generous and joyful personality—she brings snacks to photo shoots and shares them with friends and photographers.
Ainsley Peters (Age 15)
- Performing Arts Excellence:
- Earned superior ratings for her solo vocal performances in competitions
- Active in acting and stage performance, showcasing her love for the arts
- Future Aspirations:
- Plans to study radiology and psychology to support children and teens dealing with illness and trauma
- Emotional Resilience:
- Navigating C-PTSD from her cancer treatment with courage and compassion
- Described by her mother as a “warrior” who shows deep empathy for others
Rylie Hughey (Age 13)
- Athletic Achievements:
- Active in junior high softball, travel softball, basketball, pom squad, and track
- Plans to join powerlifting next year
- Leadership & Academics:
- Member of student council and Gifted and Talented programs
- Health Journey:
- Cancer-free for 10 years after surviving Stage 5 Wilms Tumor
- Monitored for a liver disorder caused by chemotherapy, but remains energetic and involved
These girls have transformed their early battles into platforms for advocacy, creativity, and leadership. Their annual photo reunions continue to honor children affected by cancer and remind the world of the power of friendship and perseverance.
AMAZING: Rylie, Rheann and Ainsley are all cancer free and doing well.
“Sometimes strength comes in knowing that you are not alone!”
Would you like to see how their story has been captured in photos over the years?
1mymodernmet.com 2people.com 3www.conchovalleyhomepage.com
Here’s a look at the future goals and aspirations of Rheann Franklin, Ainsley Peters, and Rylie Hughey as of 2025:
Rheann Franklin
- Athletic Growth: After winning medals in bowling and cornhole at the Special Olympics, Rheann hopes to continue competing and expanding her skills in adaptive sports.
- Independence & Advocacy: She’s working toward greater independence with the help of her service dog and aims to raise awareness for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
- Creative Expression: Rheann enjoys participating in photo sessions and community events, using her story to inspire others and promote inclusivity.
Ainsley Peters
- Academic Ambitions: Ainsley plans to study radiology and psychology, driven by her desire to help children and teens facing medical and emotional challenges.
- Artistic Pursuits: She continues to excel in singing and acting, with goals to perform professionally and possibly pursue theater or music therapy.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Having experienced C-PTSD from her cancer treatment, Ainsley is passionate about supporting others through trauma recovery and emotional wellness.
Rylie Hughey
- Athletic Expansion: Rylie is preparing to join powerlifting next year, adding to her already packed schedule of softball, basketball, track, and pom squad.
- Leadership & Service: As a member of student council and gifted programs, she’s developing leadership skills and hopes to mentor younger students.
- Health Awareness: Rylie wants to use her experience as a cancer survivor to educate others about childhood cancer and the long-term effects of treatment.
These young women are not only survivors—they’re leaders, artists, athletes, and advocates. Their goals reflect a powerful blend of personal growth, community service, and creative ambition. 1mymodernmet.com 2www.wdhn.com
A Tribute to Rheann, Ainsley, and Rylie
Ten Years of Strength, Sisterhood, and Hope
In 2014, three brave little girls—Rheann Franklin, Ainsley Peters, and Rylie Hughey—met for a photo session that captured more than just smiles. It captured a bond forged in the fire of childhood cancer, a moment that would echo through the years as a symbol of resilience and love.
Now, in 2025, these young women stand tall—not just as survivors, but as champions.
Rheann Franklin
Rheann’s journey has been marked by quiet strength and radiant joy. Despite facing lifelong challenges from brain tumors, vision loss, and physical disabilities, she shines on the bowling lanes and cornhole courts, earning medals at the Special Olympics. Her laughter, generosity, and determination remind us that courage isn’t loud—it’s steady, kind, and unstoppable.
Ainsley Peters
Ainsley’s voice carries more than melody—it carries the story of a warrior. In remission for a decade, she channels her experience into song, stage, and a dream to help others heal. Her pursuit of radiology and psychology is a testament to her empathy and her desire to turn pain into purpose. She is proof that beauty grows from broken places.
Rylie Hughey
Rylie’s spirit is fierce and full of fire. A powerhouse on the field and in the classroom, she balances sports, student council, and gifted programs—all while managing the lasting effects of chemotherapy. Her energy, leadership, and drive show us that survivorship is not just about living—it’s about thriving.
Together, these girls have transformed adversity into advocacy, illness into inspiration, and friendship into a lifelong bond. Their annual photo reunions are more than tradition—they are a living tribute to every child who fights, every family who hopes, and every moment that reminds us: Hope is stronger than fear. Love is louder than pain. And together, we rise.
To Rheann, Ainsley, and Rylie—thank you for showing the world what true strength looks like. What I Eat For Breakfast To Stay CANCER FREE (Simple & Delicious)
Although Rheann will never see her hair grow back and will probably always have eyes that droop due to the location of her brain tumor, Lora’s photos have helped us to deal with a scary situation, says her mother, Valerie Franklin, of Norman, Oklahoma.
For people who havent experienced it, she tells PEOPLE, cancer is hard to understand. But through Loras photos and the girls Facebook pages, weve been able to share our good days and bad days, and let people see how cancer can affect a normal family.
If I had to sum up Loras photos in one word, it would be hope, adds Rylies mother, Bridget Hughey, of Chandler, Oklahoma. It means so much to our family, because when I look at that photo, I know were not alone. Strength comes in numbers, and I hope that another family in the middle of a battle with cancer can look at the photo and be inspired. If these three little girls can kick cancer, then so can other kids.
The new photo session with the same dresses, headbands and pearls used the first time was just as powerful, says Ainsleys mom, Andrea Peters, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, because everyone could see how far the girls had come since they first started chemotherapy. Ainsley was successfully treated for leukemia, Rylie for kidney cancer, and Rheann for a rare form of brain cancer.
We all get to share stories, heartaches and new achievements, Andrea tells PEOPLE, and were all honored to be a part of the bigger picture. The photos and stories behind the photos have brought all the warriors out in the world, and thats been amazing.
Scantling, who was shocked to learn that only about four percent of federal funding for cancer research is spent on pediatric cancers,hopes that her photo sessions continue to inspire people worldwide to contribute to the cause.
Any time a kid comes in with some kind of a battle, it melts my heart, she says. Seeing these little girls come together, smiling and laughing, is always so inspiring. They remind me of whats most important in life.
This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
This Viral Photo Is Raising Awareness About Childhood Cancer| Guideposts
Check out the gallery above for the images from both of the photo shoots. Learn more about photographer Lora Scantling and each of the girls below.
Lora Scantling Website
Scantling Photography Page
Rheann’s Facebook Page
Rylie’s Facebook Page
Ainsley’s Facebook Page