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“On December 24th, 2025, my dearest cousin Siraj Kasim experienced an unimaginable tragedy. His family got into a fatal car accident. While Siraj’s parents remain in critical condition, his other family members passed away. This includes his two younger sons Akhil and Ahad, his wife, his sister, and his young niece (among others). Many of them died instantly. As Siraj arrived in India on December 27, he said goodbye to child Ahad before he finally passed.

Siraj received the news of this as he was living and working in California. For several years, Siraj has been working nonstop as an engineer and mechanic solely for the purpose of sending money back to his family back in India. His entire life was his family. He was planning on moving back home and reuniting with them this upcoming January. I can’t describe how heartbreaking it is that that can no longer happen.

I described Siraj as my cousin earlier. Siraj began living with my family four years ago, and since then, has become part of us. He’s a cousin to me because he has sat with my Paathi, made her laugh, and helped me translate our conversations. He’s helped my mom and brother hang up Christmas lights for several Decembers. We’ve spent birthdays at Universal Studios together. He’s become family as he has become a beloved source of support, humor, and help for all of us. Though we are now separated by thousands of miles, we want to show Siraj a fraction of the love and support he’s given us in this time of need.

Today, we are asking you to help us support Siraj as he deals with the fallout from this horrible accident. Specifically, this money would:

Help with Siraj’s parents’ medical bills as they continue to recover in the hospital

Funeral costs for his family

Income support as he takes time away from work to grieve

We know that times are tough and there’s many people with desperate needs. But we pray that you can join us in supporting Siraj as he navigates this impossible situation. It would mean the world to me, my mother, and Josh for you to show love to this person who means so much to us. God bless you and thank you.”

-- Misha Ponnuraju