Sienna had a heart transplant

Sienna is one of those vibrant people who never fails to impress. A high achiever both academically and in her beloved cabaret dance, her drive and ambition have always been unmistakable – even when her body seemed determined to challenge them. In many ways, it is precisely these qualities that have carried her through extraordinary circumstances. 

Diagnosed at just 4 years old with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer, Sienna endured a year of intensive treatment before reaching remission. While the cancer was gone, the chemotherapy and radiation left a lasting impact, damaging her heart. At 12, she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. 

Despite this, Sienna continued to live life on her terms – dancing twice a week, staying active, and embracing every opportunity.  

‘I'm the type of person to live as normally, and as fully as possible. That was my main goal growing up,’ she says. 

By Year 12 her condition had worsened significantly, though she was determined to finish high school and begin a nursing degree part-time.  

As her health declined, she faced heartbreaking decisions – eventually stepping away from her career as a professional touring dancer. Still, she stayed close to her passion, attending classes even when she could barely make it around the room. 

‘Everyone was thinking about living and thriving, but I was simply existing,’ she says. 

At 19 years old, Sienna was placed on a waitlist for a heart transplant. After 5 difficult months, the call came while she was in the emergency department and her transplant was a success. 

Today, Sienna is completing her nursing degree, dancing again, and embracing milestones she once feared were out of reach – from riding a bike to planning her first overseas trip. 

‘I’m so thankful to have a heart and to my donor. I’m trying to do the most with what I have to give to my donor family as well,’  she says.  

‘In my heart, I know they’d be very happy to see that I’m living the biggest life I can. I’m able to live this life because of them.’