Khaniya’s Story

Khaniya, better known as “Niya” was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, childhood bone cancer, of her left femur in February 2025. Immediately, her family’s world was turned on its head. No time to waste, Niya began chemotherapy as soon as she was diagnosed. This tumor is very aggressive so doctors knew getting her started on treatment quickly was a necessity.

Khaniya has chemotherapy weekly which requires long hospital stays. She quickly underwent two “minor” surgeries to place her port and GI tube. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy she is taking has many challenging side effects. In a short period of time, she has already lost hearing in her right ear and will need a hearing aid. She also currently has a blood clot in her heart - to mitigate this and hopefully avoid heart surgery, she receives shots twice daily. Niya is currently waiting to be stable enough to undergo a major surgery were her tumor and any of the bone that is damaged will be removed from her body. Eventually, she will need a knee replacement as well. Her doctors are working very hard to save her leg so that an amputation is not needed. Most recently, her family found out that only 40% of her tumor has dead cells indicating there is a high chance of recurrence. Their prayer is that with more chemotherapy and radiation no new cancer will appear and it will stop the spread of the cancer that is currently there.

In just a few short months, Khaniya has been through more than what many will experience in a lifetime. Yet, she remains brave. She and her family are fighting together and will not give up. Her mom, Crystal, said “We are praying constantly that God delivers her from this. She has a very long road ahead of her and we’re fighting this battle together.” What are you facing in your life that feels insurmountable? Let Niya’s shirt and story be a reminder that no matter what it is you can face it with the love of those around you and be BRAVE!