8-Year-Old Kashani Continues Brave Journey in Battle with Cancer

DAYTON, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Kashani during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:05 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree takes a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Kashani’s Story

In December 2023, Kashani’s mom took her to the emergency room for an anticipated case of conjunctivitis. Kashani, a bright and bubbly kid, whose favorite subject in school is karate and enjoys watching Finding Nemo, presented a large mass on her eye that began to grow aggressively.

After multiple hospital visits, Kashani was diagnosed with stage one rhabdomyosarcoma. A rare type of soft tissue cancer that starts as a growth of cells in soft tissue, rhabdomyosarcoma often starts in muscle tissue. Kashani and her family were very overwhelmed with this news.

Kashani began treatment in January 2024, which involved an overnight hospital visit once a month between two different hospitals, where she received infusions and radiation. She and her family worked with many doctors, nurses, and educators on how to navigate this new obstacle. Kashani is currently back in treatment.

Kashani faces many challenges including going back to school and navigating social situations with her peers that can be uncomfortable. Something Kashani wants others to know is although her condition is difficult, she is a fighter, and she is brave.

Kashani aspires to be an entrepreneur when she grows up and open her own restaurant. She’d hire all of her siblings to work with her. In addition, Kashani enjoys playing basketball and soccer, eating sushi, and watching Teen Titans.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Kashani’s life, including her mom, dad, extended family, friends, and entire medical team.

Join us at the Dragons game on Wednesday, June 18, to celebrate Kashani’s Home Run for Life.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.