Kiana’s journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) began at the age of four, at the end of 2021. What started as complaints of leg pain soon turned into swelling in her knee. By February 2022, the possibility of Juvenile Arthritis was on the table. After months of doctor visits, countless vials of blood drawn, and numerous tests, Kiana was officially diagnosed in May 2022.

Since then, her journey has been nothing short of challenging. By the end of 2024, Kiana has bravely endured:

•    43 lab draws

•    13 x-ray appointments

•    6 ultrasound appointments

•    1 sedated MRI

•    92 physical therapy sessions

•    15 full eye exams for uveitis (thankfully, all clear so far!)

•    2 aspiration/steroid injection procedures under anesthesia

•    3 different rheumatologists (thank you, insurance hurdles)

•    24 JIA follow-up appointments

•    107 Methotrexate injections (and counting weekly)

•    16 Biologic injections (a biosimilar to Humira)

•    Countless hours of research and advocacy

•    Many sleepless nights filled with pain, swelling, and uncertainty

In addition to JIA, Kiana battles asthma, which complicates her condition and medication schedule. Despite setbacks, her resilience and bravery shine. She’s only at the beginning of this fight, but we remain hopeful that one day her condition will be managed well enough for her to live life as a “normal kiddo” navigating life with an autoimmune disease.

This journey is not just hers—it’s ours as a family. It’s one filled with love, determination, and the unwavering hope for a better future. But we can’t do it alone.

We ask for your support—not just for Kiana, but for the hundreds of thousands of children living with Juvenile Arthritis. Whether through raising awareness, advocating for better healthcare policies, donating to organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, or simply sharing her story, you can help make a difference.

Kiana is our brave JIA warrior. Together, let’s fight for a world where kids like her can thrive. Thank you for standing with us.