KTLA Audio Network
KTLA Audio Network
Advocating for the Voiceless with Kiana Dean
Advocating for the Voiceless with Kiana Dean
Advocating for the Voiceless with Kiana Dean
Wednesday 22nd April 2020
Listen to Kiana Dean on 'Keepin' It Friel' as she shares her journey from foster care to advocating for babies born addicted to drugs.
22 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
KTLA Audio Network
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Family Recovery from Addiction
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
28 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Kiana Dean: From Foster Care Challenges to Championing the Voiceless
I just hope that future moms would just, you know, take care of themselves while they're pregnant, and just not use drugs or drink. It's definitely when I see that, I just think of my mom, of how she did that to me, because she did it to my three older siblings. So she was just so used to taking drugs while pregnant.
Imagine being born with the odds stacked against you and still finding the strength to fight for others. That's the remarkable story of Kiana Dean, a 22-year-old foster care advocate, featured in this episode of 'Keepin' It Friel: Conversations on Recovery'. Born addicted to drugs due to her mother’s meth use during pregnancy, Kiana has faced a lifetime of health challenges, including facial paralysis and a heart defect.
Despite these hurdles, she has channeled her experiences into a powerful mission: advocating for babies born into similar circumstances. Kiana's journey through various foster homes finally led her to a loving woman she calls her “angel”, who adopted her and provided the stability she desperately needed. Rather than adopting a victim mentality, Kiana chose to become a voice for the voiceless.
Her advocacy work focuses on educating women about the dangers of substance use during pregnancy and pushing for better support systems for mothers battling addiction. In her conversation with Courtney Friel, Kiana’s positive outlook and relentless spirit shine through. She emphasizes the critical need for programs that support both mothers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of addiction. Her story is not just about overcoming personal adversity; it’s about transforming pain into purpose.
This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersections of addiction, foster care, and advocacy. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical insights into supporting those affected by prenatal drug exposure, Kiana Dean's story is a testament to the power of resilience and hope.