Funeral and Medical Expenses for Naveen Kumar

Dear friends, family, and community,

 

My dear uncle Naveen Kumar unexpectedly passed away on March 22nd, 2022. Naveen was a father, husband, veteran police officer, and recent immigrant chasing the American dream.

 

Naveen is survived by two sons: Ansh, 16 and Ayush, 19. Ansh is currently a junior in high school. Ayush, eager to follow his father’s life of service, joined the US Army after graduating high school. Ayush recently finished serving his first year in South Korea.

 

Naveen’s heart condition left him ineligible for life insurance through his employment in Fiji. All savings had been depleted in covering his 3 heart surgeries. Naveen’s wife, Neelam, is left financially responsible for medical, funeral, and household expenses. She has exhausted all paid time off at her job in caring for her husband’s condition. All donations would go towards helping Neelam regain financial balance and support her two children in this time of grief.

 

Naveen and his family were sponsored for American citizenship in 2003. After patiently waiting for 15 long years, their green cards were approved in 2018. Naveen and his family left behind a humble, yet stable lifestyle to risk a chance in the US. Naveen served as a police officer in Nadi, Fiji for over 20 years. His wife Neelam was a primary school teacher. Both were deeply committed to their community.

 

Naveen maintained excellent physical health due to his police duties. This suddenly changed when he developed a heart condition. At only 37 years old, Naveen underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in 2013. Major surgeries are outsourced in Fiji due to limited medical resources. Naveen underwent his first heart surgery in Delhi, India. Post operation, Naveen was intentional about further maintaining his physical health.

 

Once their US sponsorship was approved in 2018, the Kumar family relocated to Sacramento, CA. Deciding to immigrate meant a better chance for their children’s futures and receiving better healthcare for Naveen’s condition.

 

Although he wished to continue police work, Naveen immediately took a valet job out of necessity to provide for his family. This job required constant running which triggered a heart attack only 1 year after moving to the US. Upon surgical examination, American doctors quickly realized that his first surgery was completed incorrectly, prompting a heart transplant. Naveen waited 8 months for a new heart. Everything seemed normal and balance was restored to his family. Only 2 years after his heart transplant, Naveen experienced another heart attack. 6 months later, his body rejected the new heart.

 

Our family greatly appreciates all donations to ease the financial burden on Neelam and her 2 young sons during such formative years.