Black and white photo of female child holding onto playground equipment and smiling

Ka’Niya B, age 5

Photograph by Lyndsey Livingston (2024)

Ka’Niya is a vibrant little girl whose spirit is as bright as her smile. Known for her candid nature, she never hesitates to express her thoughts, filling her family’s life with honest and endearing moments. Her mother, Ky’Andra, often finds solace in Ka’Niya’s concern and encouragement, especially on tough days, when Ka’Niya truly demonstrates her innate empathy and thoughtfulness.
Despite the challenges posed by sickle cell disease, which often leads to episodes of pain crises, Ka’Niya’s resilience is remarkable. Her strength becomes apparent not just in how she handles her condition, but also in her active engagement with life. She loves music and dance, often found twirling to a tune or choreographing her next dance routine. Playing with Barbies, exploring sports like soccer and T-ball, and attending ballet classes are just snippets of her bustling energy.
After being crowned Little Miss Corn Muffin last year, Ka’Niya relished the competition, especially dancing and interacting with the judges. Her achievements continued as she participated in cheerleading and won the title of Princess in her Christmas Program for Fairfield County. Now, she’s gearing up for the Little Miss Fairfield County pageant in the Wee Category, ready to charm all over again.
As the family anticipates the arrival of a baby sister, Ka’Niya’s excitement is palpable. She delights in feeling her sister’s movements, a testament to her caring nature. Her playful demeanor and indomitable spirit make everyone fall for her antics. Ka’Niya radiates happiness and is an inspiring hero in her mother’s eyes.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.

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