Meet Ariya

At just four years old, Ariya was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in muscle tissue. What followed was a long and difficult journey filled with treatments, hospital visits, and moments that required incredible strength.

Ariya received care at Valley Children’s Hospital, where teams across multiple specialties worked together to support her every step of the way. Like many children facing cancer, she relied on blood transfusions to help her body stay strong enough to continue treatment and keep fighting.

Through it all, Ariya showed remarkable resilience. With the support of her family and care team, she faced each challenge with determination and courage.

Today, Ariya is 16 years old and a sophomore in high school, in remission and part of a Cancer Survivorship Program. She is also now a volunteer with the Central California Blood Center, giving back to a cause that once helped save her life. As she looks to the future, her experience has inspired a powerful goal: “I want to become a pediatric oncologist to help other kids like myself.”

Reflecting on everything she’s been through, Ariya shares, “I’m a childhood cancer survivor, and blood donations saved my life.”

Stories like Ariya’s are a powerful reminder of how important blood donation truly is. For patients going through cancer treatment, blood is essential. It helps them continue treatment, recover, and keep moving forward.