Kashani’s Brave Journey: 8-Year-Old Fighter with Cancer

In December of 2023, Kashani’s mom took her to the emergency room for what they thought was a case of conjunctivitis. Kashani, a bright and bubbly kid, whose favorite subject in school is karate and enjoys watching Finding Nemo, was presenting a large mass on her eye that began to grow aggressively.

After multiple hospital visits, Kashani was diagnosed with stage one rhabdomyosarcoma. This is a rare type of soft tissue cancer that starts as a growth of cells in soft tissue, most often starting in muscle tissue. Kashani and her family were very overwhelmed with this news.

Kashani started treatment in January of 2024, which involved an overnight hospital visit once a month between two different hospitals, where she received infusions and radiation treatment. She and her family worked with many doctors, nurses, and educators on how to navigate this new obstacle they were going to be facing. Kashani is currently back in treatment.

Kashani faces many challenges, like going back to school, and navigating social situations with her peers that can be uncomfortable. One thing that Kashani wants people to know about her condition is that her condition is difficult, but she is a fighter, and she is brave.

Kashani wants to be an entrepreneur when she grows up and open her own restaurant. She’d hire all of her siblings to work with her. In addition, Kashani enjoys playing basketball and soccer, eating sushi, and watching Teen Titans.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Kashani’s life, including her mom, dad, extended family, friends, and her entire medical team.

Learning a new way and taking charge: 12-Year-Old Navigates Type 1 Diabetes

In January 2025, Riley’s parents accompanied her to her pediatrician’s office for a routine wellness check. Riley, an outgoing and active tween who enjoys dancing, baking, and coloring, was experiencing an increased need to use the restroom and thirst. They were hoping to figure out why this change in routine was happening.

At the pediatrician’s office they found traces of sugar in Riley’s urine after preliminary tests. Their doctor then alerted the family that this could potentially lead to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. After additional testing, Riley’s blood sugar levels were shown to be extremely high. Riley and her family spent the next three days at the hospital meeting with dietitians, social workers, nurses, and doctors, learning how to deal with the challenges of her new normal.

Upon returning home, everyone in the family had a lot to adjust to – monitoring carbs, attending quarterly checkups, routinely checking her blood sugar, and administering insulin shots. Riley faces many challenges, one of which is figuring out what foods spike her blood sugar levels. If her blood sugar levels get too low, she needs to eat a fast-acting carb. If her blood sugar level gets too high, an insulin shot must be given.

Riley faced her diagnosis with amazing strength. While initially it was overwhelming and stressful, she continues to approach it with grace. Her friends ask her a lot of questions and she sees it as a chance to educate others about diabetes. “Kids with diabetes are just like other kids…It’s just another chapter in your life and you can be the same person you were before,” said Riley.

Riley aspires to become a professional dancer. She is happy when she’s with her friends, enjoys a good cheeseburger, and looks forward to vacation in Michigan this summer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Riley’s life, including her mom, dad, extended family, friends, and her entire medical team.