Hi, everyone! I'm Kaiden, a senior at Tech Valley High School. I've been part of Rock Your Style® since my freshman year as a member of the Hype Squad, but my history with the event actually goes back even further. I attended my very first Rock Your Style® in 2009 while I was still in my mom's belly, so you could say I've been supporting the event since before I was born.
Now that I'm a senior, my mom finally said I could take the runway as a model.
Cancer has impacted many members of my family, including some of the people closest to me. I lost my paternal grandfather to cancer, while my maternal grandfather, my cousin Shantellie and my Uncle Eugene are all cancer thrivers.
I've seen how cancer affects patients and their families, and I want to do my part to make things a little easier for those going through treatment.
I've always loved penguins, and there's a story about them I keep coming back to. When a group is deciding whether to jump into water that might hide predators, somebody has to go first. That first penguin takes the risk so the rest of the colony knows it's safe to follow. Earlier this year, through the Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program, I got to be my own version of that first penguin when I served as Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Salut Awards. Standing up in front of a room and sharing my story pushed me way outside my comfort zone, but I learned something important: sometimes you have to step up first so others feel like they can too.
That's exactly what walking the runway means to me. It's my way of jumping in first, so more people feel empowered to support patients going through cancer treatment and help make their lives a little easier.
Please consider supporting my campaign and helping me raise funds for the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation. Thank you for walking this journey with me.
PS: Even if I don't walk away with the Golden Hanger, out-fundraising Dalilah is basically my life's mission for this event. Don't worry, she's one of my besties; she just also happens to be my competition.
