Vivian
Hartman
KTLA Remarkable Women · Sophia's Act AB 847 · Founder, Sophia's Angels
"Feelings are healings. No matter who or where you are in life, she will find a way to help and love you through it."
California Law
A Voice Born from
Love & Loss
Vivian Hartman is a mother, advocate, speaker, and force of nature from the San Fernando Valley. When her daughter Sophia was diagnosed with refractory leukemia, Vivian's world was turned upside down — and she transformed that devastation into purpose.
Sophia did not have to die the way she did. An insurance delay kept Sophia from going home. She died in pain, without her brothers, family, and friends — without the sun, without her pup.
That injustice became the fuel for eighteen years of advocacy. Vivian founded Sophia's Angels, a 501(c)3 non-profit helping families navigate the horrors of childhood cancer — from treatments and insurance battles to finding the strength to breathe.
After nearly two decades of fighting, Governor Newsom signed AB 847 — Sophia's Act into California law, ensuring terminally ill children receive health coverage no matter their family's income, with the right to die in dignity surrounded by love.
Named a KTLA Remarkable Woman, featured on CNN, ABC, NBC and CBS, and invited to speak at Stanford Medical Center — Vivian's story is one of the most powerful you will ever hear.
Invite Vivian to Speak
Words That Move People.
Stories That Change Lives.
The 18-year journey to pass AB 847 — how one mother's grief became a law protecting terminally ill children and their families across California.
A powerful message for medical professionals, doctors, nurses, and caregivers — on compassion, burnout, and the sacred role of those who stand beside the suffering.
Practical wisdom for parents navigating a child's serious illness — understanding insurance, communicating with medical teams, and never losing hope.
From the MEND Women's Conference to communities across California — a message of radical resilience, love as activism, and the superpower of the everyday woman.
How to transform personal tragedy into systemic change — building coalitions, working with legislators, and never taking no for an answer.
Vivian's journey into holistic therapies during Sophia's treatment — integrating love, nature, and spiritual wellness alongside modern medicine.
See Her in Action.
Feel the Difference.
Sophia's Act
AB 847 · California Law
After eighteen years of tireless advocacy, Governor Newsom signed AB 847 — Sophia's Act — into California law. The legislation ensures that terminally ill children receive health coverage regardless of their family's income, and guarantees the right to die with dignity, surrounded by love.
"No terminally ill child should suffer unduly or die without their circle of love. It took eighteen years, but now our Sophia can soar with the angels, knowing her story gives aid and solace to families like ours. Next? We go national."
Sophia's Angels is a federally registered 501(c)3 non-profit · sophiasangels.org
Visit Sophia's Angels →A Life of Purpose & Presence
Words from Those
She Has Touched
Mrs. Vivian Hartman is truly an all-around wonderful superwoman of our time who will inspire you with the power of her words, the greatness of her heart, and her ability to help heal with love.
Vivian Hartman speaks with all the goodness of an advocate, and all the grief of a mother who lost a child. Her words are inspirational and comforting — a truly valuable addition from a compassionate patient advocate.
Your parent's guide is a breath of fresh air. Vivian's knowledge and experience is shared in a manner that comforts and helps individuals navigate the journey through therapy.
A "Lay" Mother's Guide for Healing
Born from lived experience, Vivian's handbook for parents and caregivers is a roadmap through the uncharted waters of a child's serious illness — from understanding medical jargon and navigating insurance battles to finding spiritual strength and holistic pathways to ease suffering.
Available in English and Spanish, this guide empowers families with the knowledge, tools, and courage they need — because no parent should face a child's hospital journey alone.
"We can make this a less painful journey."
Get the BookBring This Story to
Your Audience
Vivian is available for keynotes, panels, hospital and medical staff trainings, women's empowerment events, community advocacy forums, podcasts, media interviews, and more — in person, virtual, or hybrid.