In October 2019, at just 34 years old, Kiana Wooten was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Like many young women, she initially dismissed a lump she had discovered, assuming it was a harmless cyst. Months passed before she experienced pain in her left arm and tenderness in her breast, prompting her to see a doctor at her husband’s urging.

A mammogram led to an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy that confirmed her worst fear—she had breast cancer. The news was devastating, but Kiana faced it head-on, determined to fight. Genetic testing revealed a mutated ATM RNA gene, increasing her risk for other cancers and highlighting the potential impact on her daughter’s health.

Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and hormone therapy. But her journey was far from smooth—she endured complications, including infections that led to multiple surgeries and the eventual decision to go flat. Despite these hardships, Kiana’s resilience never wavered.

Over the years, she has faced additional health challenges, but instead of letting them define her, she has dedicated herself to advocacy and support for others battling cancer. As an Angel advocate for the Tigerlily Foundation, a mentor for Imerman Angels, and a patient navigator for Susan G. Komen, she ensures that no one fights alone. She has also shared her experiences through writing, publishing articles and her own book on Amazon.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed—she was recently honored with the NJ Women’s Federation of World Peace Award. While cancer changed her life, it did not take away her purpose. Kiana continues to uplift, educate, and advocate, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is hope, strength, and the power to make a difference.