Story of a Warrior – Kiana - Smiles From Heaven

Story of a Warrior

Kiana Rendon

My name is Kiana Rendon, and I’m a dancer, dance studio owner, college student, and childhood cancer fighter. I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer at 15 years old in 2019. I had my thyroid removed, went through radiation, and later learned that my cancer had spread to my lungs. I was also placed on an oral chemotherapy clinical trial because there wasn’t a pediatric treatment option available for my type of cancer.

One of the hardest parts has been growing up with cancer and realizing that the journey doesn’t just end after treatment. At such a young age, I had to worry about surgeries, scans, medications, and what my future would look like.

Ray and Betsy reached out to my family during my cancer journey, and from there, our connection with Smiles From Heaven continued to grow. They have given my family so much love, support, and encouragement and have truly become like family. They’ve also given me opportunities to share my story and advocate for other childhood cancer patients, including traveling to Washington, D.C.

Today, Smiles From Heaven means family, hope, and love to me. They remind me that no child or family should ever have to fight cancer alone, and I’m forever grateful to be part of the Smiles From Heaven family.