In 2015, Ahna was diagnosed with aggressive thyroid carcinoma, which has required multiple surgeries, post-operative radiation, frequent blood draws, and suppressive doses of thyroid hormones, which has resulted in post-op hoarseness, muscle cramps, and intense fatigue. Despite these hurdles, Ahna has excelled in acrobatic gymnastics, placing third at the 2018 Las Vegas International Acro Cup, 1st at the 2018 Missouri State Championships, and 11th in the nation at the 2018 USA Acrobatic Gymnastic Championships.
Remarkably, Ahna has accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA despite missing many days of school due to surgeries, radiation, blood draws, clinic visits, and scans.
Ahna also enjoys dancing,baking, and using her talents to help others. Last year she hosted two bake sales to raise money for other people in need. She raised $800 to buy toys for Mercy Hospital’s Child Life Department and hosted another bake sale to help two other families with children battling cancer. She also helps with baking cookies at Christmas for a fundraiser for her church’s mission team. She was selected to be a part of campaign in 2016 for I’m a Dancer Against Cancer that was featured in People magazine.