Sharing My Truth
Riane Ashley Cardenas is a local woman, born and raised in Hawaii. Riane earned her undergraduate degree in Humanities specializing in Social and Civic Justice in 2014 and her Master of Business Administration in 2023. As a trauma survivor, and in her commitment to inspire and uplift others, Riane authored “Blurred Vision,” a collection of poems. She has shared her story, took part in AAPI speaking panels, and invited to speak in various settings.
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She is an avid advocate for marginalized American Asian and Pacific Island women, children, and LGBTQ+ communities. Recently, her advocacy has narrowed in on rare autoimmune disease, because of her own experiences living with medical conditions since childhood.
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As a child, Riane contended with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Migraines, and Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis. At 19, she suffered a random allergy attack type flare, which needed close supervision of an Allergist/Immunologist. The type of therapy my doctor at the time selected was SCIT, which is subcutaneous therapy (allergy shots) for allergies. Being consistent with my conditions has always been a struggle because the burnout can make it difficult. When SCIT became too much, Riane stopped treatment with the approval of her doctor and decided to take a more holistic route. Unfortunately, the holistic route only lasted a few years. In 2020, the world rocked, and Riane’s entire world shattered. She had a little over ten years of manageable pain and flares until she was hospitalized. This started her journey into knowing and understanding, C-ANCA Vasculitis then EGPA Vasculitis. Her world tilted and she started to lose a sense of who she is. This has stirred a fire in her that is pushing her to advocate and educate those who do not care to understand the complexities of rare autoimmune diseases.
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Due to the inability to work per doctor's orders, she is currently, authoring a book set for publication in 2025 and working on the evolution of Riane’s Corner. She looks forward to what the future may bring.
Hi Beautiful Person,
I hope this message finds you in high spirits. I know having a condition that takes you away from the things you love surrounded by the people you love is quite the challenge. Trust me, I understand all the emotions that are coursing through you! Before I dive in, I want to share a little bit about me.
My name is Riane Ashley, people know me by Riane or Rae. I suffer from a rare autoimmune condition called EGPA Vasculitis. This condition entails and encompasses many other conditions, so I do undertstand how crazy things can get. I am a wife and a mom. One day I hope to accomplish all that I have envisioned to achieve.
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My friend, I want you to know that you are not alone in your journey. There are a lot of us who are suffering in silence and some of us who are suffering out loud. I do hope that you find some support of peace knowing that you are not alone. That the magic you are looking for in midst of the chaos in your life is dormant and is waiting for you to unleash it. That magic is within you. You have the power to fill your life with everything that makes you happy , at ease and at peace. It truly is possible and there is a community who will walk with you through it.
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xoxo - Riane Ashley