Kiana Marie Wanczyk Arellano

On February 10, 2022, our beloved Kiana Marie Wanczyk Arellano went to heaven. She was 23 years old. It gives us great peace to know her pain and suffering are gone forever. She lived a beautiful life with grace and courage and we were honored to be her family. She leaves behind an amazing legacy with many friends, family, and supporters. She taught us all how to be compassionate and to never give up.

Kiana was born to Kenneth and Kristina Arellano on September 9, 1998, in Denver, Colorado. Kiana graduated from Rock Canyon High School in 2016 and went on to complete the Douglas County Bridge Program in May 2020. She then later started a program at HighPointe Services just this year. Kiana lived her entire life with her parents, sister Kaitlyn, and brother Taylor in Littleton/Highlands Ranch Colorado.

Kiana was a smart, fun-loving girl with an incredible sense of humor. In 2013 she started struggling with anxiety and depression and on May 19, 2013 she attempted to end her life. She suffered a severe anoxic brain injury which changed the course of her life. She spent years learning how to communicate and navigate her new normal.

Kiana was determined to help others. She made many trips to the Colorado State Capital to share her story. In 2015, Colorado state legislators approved House Bill 1072, and it was named Kiana Arellano's Law. In addition, Kiana's friends and family helped to raise thousands of dollars in support of suicide prevention. Kiana leaves an impressive legacy that will live on for many years to come and will help countless individuals.

Kiana's love of life and adventure continued throughout her life. Her love of cheerleading and performing was accomplished through her cheer teams at her high school and at Peak Athletics. She won many medals, but one of her most cherished memories was competing with the Peak Athletics Stars team in Orlando Florida where her team won recognition as International Champions. She shared that accomplishment with her sister Kaitlyn and they enjoyed being back on the mat together.

Kiana loved to travel and was able to make it to Myrtle Beach. It was made possible when her sister nominated her for a wish through Make a Wish. The family was blessed and honored to spend that time with her and every time she heard the ocean she broke out into the biggest smile. Kiana also enjoyed spending time with her family at the family cabin in Grand Lake and going to Easter Seals Camp in Empire Colorado. She loved spending time with her best friend and sister, Kaitlyn, and her friends Emily Miller, Hannah Brown, Brady Thomas, and Amber Ricardi. Along with her wonderful nurses they shared many fun times together at dances and other events.

Kiana is survived by her parents, Kenneth (Kenny) and Kristina (Kristy) Arellano, as well as her sister Kaitlyn Arellano, her brother Taylor Arellano and her beloved dogs, Gucci and Maverick. She is also survived by her grandmother, Dorothy (Dottie) Wanczyk; Aunts and Uncles, Francisca Arguello, Deborah (Frank) Vega, Sandra (Don) Wilson, Ross (Tammy) Arellano Jr., John (Nancy) Arellano, and David (Nita) Wanczyk; as well as numerous cousins and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Robert Wanczyk, Ross Arellano Sr., and Elfrieda Arellano.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to support Children's Hospital Colorado at, ChildrensHospital. After Kiana's brain injury she received care there for nine years. The hospital personnel, nurses, and doctors supported us through our most difficult times and this is a small way for us to help support other families.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit the guestbook below.


Please dress how you are most comfortable but Kiana and her family would love to see you dressed in bright colors at her Celebration of Life.