Our incredible ambassador inspires us yet again

Little Princess Trust Ambassador Kiya Kanani is no stranger to raising awareness of childhood cancer.

Having been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma when she was 15, Kiya has spoken bravely and openly about her treatment both on her own social media platforms and in the traditional media.

Kiya began to increase the profile of our work when she received one of our wigs – and that was when she also raised thousands of pounds for our wig provision service and our childhood cancer research.

Sadly, as the three-year anniversary of Kiya’s original diagnosis approached, she was told that her Hodgkins Lymphoma had returned.

Kiya has been undergoing chemotherapy this summer and has now started immunotherapy but that has not stopped her from walking 10,000 steps a day for the past week as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Taking on the challenge with her mum, Kiya said she was walking to simply make people more aware of all things related to childhood cancer.

Speaking on her @kiyascause Instagram page, she said: “We are not really looking for sponsors this time around, but maybe you guys can join in with us and do 10,000 steps throughout the month as well. 

“And if people ask you why you are doing it you can just say you are doing it for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“Maybe use the month to educate yourself on what charities are out there and what kind of cancers affect children.

“But really any sort of awareness we can share throughout the month would be amazing.”

Despite being in the middle of treatment, Kiya and her mum, Hena, have competed the first few days as planned.

Kiya has updated her Instagram page with videos of the walks when she has also given powerful personal accounts of her treatment as she works towards a stem cell transplant.

Phil Brace, from The Little Princess Trust, said: “The way Kiya speaks so eloquently about everything she is going through is truly inspiring.

“She teaches us so much about the harsh realities of childhood cancer and why the research we fund is so very much needed.

“Kiya is an incredible young woman, and we are very lucky to have her as an Ambassador of The Little Princess Trust.”

Kiya added: “The Little Princess Trust has become an extra family to me throughout my journey and I’m so glad I have the opportunities to shed light on the amazing work they do.

"From helping children and young people regain their confidence back with the beautiful wigs they provide to finding less harmful treatments for childhood cancer.” 

To follow Kiya on Instagram, please visit @kiyascause.