Sophia the Fierce - it’s a name that carries with it the legacy of an inspirational 9-year-old girl. And, even after her passing, her loved ones carry on her mission.

"Everything in this garden is carefully planted and chosen for things that remind us of Sophia,” said Kristina Benintende, Sophia’s mom.

One of her favorites, sunflowers, carry a special meaning.

"They signified hope," said Benintende. "The yellow signifies sarcoma, which is what Sophia had. Sofia had Ewing sarcoma."

Sophia Benintende was diagnosed in July 2021.

"This bracelet was the bracelet that we made when we first found out she was diagnosed," said Benintende, showing off the bracelet around her wrist. "It says 'Sophia the Fierce is stronger than cancer.'"

Her spirit certainly was strong.

"In December, Sophia handmade Christmas cards for every single person on the block and she hand delivered them and wrote a note in those cards, saying what that person meant to her and her life and what she loved most about them," Benintende recalled.

When she entered remission, Sophia planned a lemonade stand to give back.

"Unfortunately [...] her scans revealed that the cancer did indeed return. And that was on a Monday," said Benintende. "The lemonade stand that she had for put that she had planned was that Saturday."

Sophia persevered and raised $7,000 for kids with cancer.

"That night is the night that Sophia the Fierce Inc. was born," said Benintende.

Sophia's mission: respite, research and relief.

"She said, 'well, I want to have them go to a campsite or a lake house. And I just want them to enjoy being outside, like I do,'" recalled Benintende.

In May 2023, at 9 years old, Sophia passed away, but her loved ones carry her mantle. Her Girl Scout troop even holds camp days until Sophia’s mission is fulfilled. They're impacting thousands in the meantime.

"I have a woman who's going in for a major heart surgery," said Benintende. "She’s very nervous and she says, 'I just think of Sophia and it gets me through.'"

Not having Sophia here hurts.

"Nothing will ever take away that feeling of loss," said Benintende.

But watching the seed that was Sophia’s life continue to grow — that’s beautiful.

"Shine bright. Shine bright like Sophia. That would be her message," said Benintende. "Always smile. Take on the day and just be you."

Sophia’s mom says Sophia the Fierce will keep up their work because with awareness comes funding. With funding comes research. With research, hopefully, comes a cure for pediatric cancer.