Bobby
June 24 2006

We regretfully inform you that Bobby has passed away after a long and inspirational struggle with AML Leukemia. We would like to send our deepest regards and warmest condolences to his family and friends. Please, register to be a marrow donor, so other patients can have a second chance at life.

Abhi
May 2006

Since he was diagnosed with ALL, Abhi remained courageous and provided all those around him with the strength they needed in such a dire time. In the months after his diagnosis, Abhi's wife Smita worked tirelessly to set up recruitment drives in the hopes of finding a donor for Abhi. Sadly, Abhi passed away in May 2006. SAMAR would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Smita and the rest of Abhi's family. He will be missed dearly.

Gurdeep
26 March 1994 - 11 January 2005

After a valiant struggle, Gurdeep has finally found peace in the arms of God. Gurdeep was diagnosed with AML in 2003. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Gurdeep's strength and courage in his dire situation serves a testament to the power of hope and will. With his memory as inspiration, we must continue our quest to aid those patients in need. Gurdeep will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Anupama
3 April 1975 - 11 February 2005

With a heavy heart and utmost sorry we have to report the passing of Anupama on Friday (February 11, 2005). She suffered from ALL, after the original diagnosis she went into remission but unfortunately relapsed last year. Anupama put up a valiant fight but eventually succumbed to this dreaded disease. Her courage and determination inspired all of us at SAMAR and we conducted many drives with the hope of saving her life. But sadly this was not to be. She leaves behind a grieving husband and a four year old son. Our hearts go out to them and we pray that God gives them strength to go through this difficult and trying time. Her passing is one more grim reminder of the fact that we need to rededicate ourselves to this mission and redouble our efforts to recruit many many more volunteer marrow donors of South Asian origin to spare other patients the sad ending Anupama had. Once again our heart felt condolences to her husband, son and other family members.

Sagarika
28 December 1981 - 26 November 2004

With a heavy heart, we must mention the passing of Sagarika. She was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) this past March, only a few months prior to her graduation from the University of California at Irvine. She hoped to come to New York City and fulfill her dream of being a journalist. Sagarika put up a valiant fight against leukemia, but eventually succumbed to the dreaded disease. Our hearts go out to her friends and family, who gave her the support and strength she so needed. Sagarika will always be in our thoughts.

Cheryl Ramkisson
25 May 2004

Cheryl was a very brave and courageous young woman who fought leukemia valiantly for 10 years. She has a 17year old son and a loving husband Hamanth who in spite of knowing that she suffered from leukemia married her to love her, cherish her and care for her in sickness and in health. Cheryl was one of SAMAR's first family member of SAMAR and was very closely involved in spreading awareness and holding recruitment drives to help patients like herself and others. Everyone at SAMAR will miss her cheerful smiling face. But unfortunately she did not find a match and finally succumbed to God's wishes.

Anand George Kulangara
7 May 1981 - 2 December 2002

Anand was the personification of faith, compassion, and courage. For twelve years, he fought leukemia, a recurring menace that attacked as a thief in the night during periods of peace and recovery. His abiding faith in God sustained him and he survived by the constant companionship and nursing care of his mother. His parents, Rosamma and Jose Kulangara, along with his brother, Anil and sister, Anitha, sacrificed their careers, wealth, and prospects to support Anand until he finally found peace in the merciful embrace of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
As the first born, he was the pride of his numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He justified their love, hope, and prayers by accomplishing the impossible. In the face of four instances of cancer, Anand graduated from John Jay High School and attended Fordham University. He became an expert in treating himself, and won several awards and achievements for his cancer research. Anand continued his pursuits by concurrently preparing for a medical career and training for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Lying on his deathbed, even after cancer had once again impeded his dreams, he planned for his higher education. Fully aware of the fragile state of his life, his faith in the loving Creator drove him to hope for the future through a fragment of his autobiography, entitled "My Survival."

"…but I still keep on going. Only through courage, hope and faith can anything be accomplished."
"Mom, if I have to live, it is for my good, yours and the whole world, but if I have to die, it is also for my good, yours and the whole world, because God will never do harm to anyone…"