Dear friends, colleagues, and kind supporters,

My name is Jeff Lopez, and I'm reaching out to you on behalf of my dear friend, Mahesh Madhusoodanan , who is courageously battling cancer and sadly has been given only a short time left with us.

Mahesh and I first met while working together at The Mill, though initially, our relationship was limited to emails and video calls due to the distance between the New York and Bangalore offices. Mahesh was instrumental from day one in setting up and leading the animation department in our Bangalore office. His dedication and talent quickly elevated him to the Head of Animation there.

I had the honor and pleasure of finally meeting Mahesh in person in 2019, when I spent a month in Bangalore. On my very first day, despite it being a holiday for everyone else, Mahesh traveled to the office to personally welcome me. Instantly, his kindness, warmth, and great sense of humor made me feel at home. It was as if I'd found a mirror image of myself, sharing not only the same job title but also a similar outlook on life.

During my visit, Mahesh made sure I was never alone. He thoughtfully organized outings for our animation team, including a memorable evening watching 'Joker' at the cinema. He also introduced me to his circle of friends, making my stay enjoyable and genuinely unforgettable.

Above all else, what touched me deeply was Mahesh's incredible hospitality. Being invited to his home to meet his wife and two wonderful boys (now about 10 and 14 years old) remains a treasured memory. Sharing a traditional Kerala dinner with them, I experienced firsthand the warmth, generosity, and genuine kindness of Mahesh's family. His wife, Lilly, was incredibly welcoming and caring, reflecting the beautiful spirit of their family.

Now, Mahesh has returned to his hometown in Kerala to spend his final days surrounded by family. With Mahesh being the main breadwinner, his illness has brought significant emotional and financial hardship to Lilly and their young sons.

We are raising funds to help provide essential support for Mahesh's family, ensuring that Lilly and their children have financial stability during this difficult transition and beyond. Any contribution you can make, no matter the size, will be deeply appreciated and will help Mahesh find comfort in knowing his family is supported when he is no longer able to be there for them.

Where Your Donations Go

100% of the funds raised here will be sent to Mahesh’s wife and children in Kerala, India. I’ve set up a dedicated U.S. bank account for this purpose and will personally transfer the funds via a secure international service (like Wise or Xoom).

Please note: Since I’m a friend (not a relative), Indian tax law considers this a gift from a non-relative, and any amount above ₹50,000 INR (~ USD 600) may be taxable income for Mahesh’s family. We’re estimating potential taxes of up to 30%, depending on how Indian authorities assess the gift.

We are doing everything possible to minimize fees and maximize what his family receives, and are also seeking local tax guidance in India to handle this responsibly.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity, kindness, and support during this incredibly challenging time. Mahesh has always given so much to others; now it's our turn to give back to him.

Thank you so much,

Jeff Lopez

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