After a 10-day stint in the NICU following his birth in Boston, Kian was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Kian experienced his first sickle cell crisis at just 9 months old, just a month after moving to Atlanta in 2011. This led to his hospitalization at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta due to acute chest syndrome. Alongside his older brother Tian, who also has sickle cell anemia, Kian has faced various complications including acute chest syndrome, eye stroke, and multiple surgeries throughout his life.

Kian is still learning how to cope with his condition and often endures high levels of pain to avoid missing school or being away from home during a sickle cell attack. Despite these challenges, Kian remains a charming and adventurous spirit. He loves traveling, running track, and playing video games.

To cope with their lifelong disease, Kian and Tian started documenting their experiences to process their emotions and communicate with their mom, who plays a vital role in managing their medical care. These conversations eventually evolved into a published journal that aims to raise awareness and advocate for healthcare self-expression.

Despite their challenges, both Kian and Tian exhibit remarkable bravery, perseverance, resilience, and tenacity. Tian, a junior at The Ohio State University, independently manages his medical care while excelling academically, holding leadership positions in various clubs, and actively participating in the school's intramural track club. Meanwhile, Kian, a rising 7th grader at Carrollton Middle School, performs well academically, competes in track, and embodies what it truly means to be a champion!