top of page

THIS IS ZOÉ.

Zoé Lyles is curious about almost everything. She loves math and science, reading, volleyball, singing and baking, and already dreams of becoming an oral surgeon so she can help people have beautiful smiles. A natural leader, Zoé founded her school’s book club and serves as president of the Student Forum for Student Connection, Wellness and Purpose. When she cares about something, she goes all in.
Zoé Lyles posing for a modeling portrait with confidence and purpose

A CHAPTER SHE
DIDN'T CHOOSE

Before cancer, Zoé was a joyful, inquisitive six-year-old who loved gymnastics, singing, dancing, science experiments, the beach and, most of all, simply being a kid.

In October 2019, a stomachache and unexpected weight loss led to an emergency trip to Children’s National Hospital, where Zoé was diagnosed with leukemia.

Treatment brought chemotherapy, transfusions, steroids, hospital stays and hair loss. Then COVID arrived, making an already isolating experience even harder.
Zoé Lyles dressed as a princess before her childhood cancer diagnosis
Zoé Lyles resting in a hospital chair during a difficult day of leukemia treatment
Zoé Lyles giving a thumbs-up to family and friends on her first day of chemotherapy to let them know she was okay ❤️
Zoé Lyles walking through the hospital with her IV during leukemia treatment
Zoé Lyles smiling during a good day at the hospital while undergoing leukemia treatment
But even in treatment, Zoé was still Zoé. She danced with her IV, read books, spent time at Seacrest Studios and visited the Healing Garden. The team at Children’s National helped make sure that even while she was a patient, she still had opportunities to simply be a kid.

APRIL 5​

After years of treatment, Zoé rang the bell at Children’s National. Then her mom and dad surprised her with her first trip to Disney World, where, surrounded by family and a huge celebration cake, she took her final chemotherapy pill.

It was magical. But after spending so much of her childhood in treatment, what Zoé wanted most was wonderfully ordinary.

She just wanted to be a kid again.
Zoé Lyles celebrating her final day of chemotherapy at Disney World

FINDING HER VOICE

Finishing treatment meant Zoé could begin getting back to the life she had missed. But she also discovered that sharing her story could help other children.
That discovery began with opportunities like recording a holiday message for WASH-FM supporting Children’s National and later appearing on FOX 5. As more opportunities followed, Zoé realized something important: she loved connecting with an audience, and her voice could help someone else.
Zoé Lyles being interviewed at Marriott International’s Root Beer Float Day
Zoé Lyles delivering the keynote address at the Vintage Affair gala benefiting Children’s National Hospital
Zoé Lyles being interviewed at Terp Thon after speaking in support of Children’s National Hospital
Zoé Lyles participating in the Race for Every Child and sharing her story during an interview

TURNING EMPATHY
INTO ACTION

As Zoé grew more comfortable sharing her story, she realized her experiences could do more than raise awareness. They could inspire people to give, volunteer and show up for other children.

She shares her story because she knows what exceptional care and support meant for her, and she believes every child deserves that same chance.
Zoé Lyles joining Hyundai at the Mubadala DC Open to present a $50,000 donation to Children’s National Hospital
Zoé Lyles participating in the Race for Every Child to support Children’s National Hospital
Zoé Lyles delivering a speech at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom race in support of Children’s National Hospital
SHOWING UP MATTERS

Mubadala DC Open

GIVING BACK
USING HER VOICE

Children’s National Race for Every Child 5K

Credit Union Cherry Blossom

At the Mubadala DC Open, Zoé joined Children’s National on court as Hyundai presented the hospital with a $50,000 donation. It showed her how powerful it can be when people come together to support children.
The Race for Every Child gives Zoé a way to help other children receive the same extraordinary care and support that meant so much to her family.
Through the Credit Union Cherry Blossom, Zoé has shared her story in places including Capitol Hill, learning that her voice can encourage others to care, give, volunteer and take action.
Zoé Lyles representing the Nation’s Capital as the 2026 Preteen titleholder at America’s Ideal Miss

MORE THAN HER STORY

Cancer is part of Zoé’s story, but it isn’t the whole story. She continues to find her own ways to lead and give back, including creating Sunshine Stories, a book drive that provides books to children in hospitals.
Her commitment extends to school and her community, where she has been recognized for academic excellence, volunteer service and other achievements.

STILL BECOMING.

Zoé Lyles modeling with confidence and using her platform to inspire others
Zoé is only 13. Her story is still being written. She is learning who she is, discovering what she loves and imagining the difference she wants to make in the world. And in many ways, she’s just getting started.
A voice for kids who are still finding theirs.
bottom of page