Hi - my name is Leisa Emsley and my family and I are close friends of the Prasad's [Tasha, Rodney, Chelaina (Doug and Isla), Darius, Malik (Emilie), Xavier, Khadeeja and Nazeera]. During the past four-plus years, they have become family to us. The Prasad’s have faced more trials than any family I know and they continue to do so with smiles and kindness towards others. In spite of a fire that destroyed their family home, complex medical issues with several family members (that require multiple trips to Vancouver for specialist appointments) and the busyness that comes with raising a family, there is never a complaint. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Tasha (mom) has been a committed and dedicated volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada for more than eight years, an active leader with Boy Scouts, a PAC member at her children's elementary school and has also supported multiple hot lunch programs in West Kelowna. All this, while working three-plus jobs, running her own catering business, and supporting her family. Tasha is truly one of the kindest, most accommodating, and fiercely loyal humans I have ever met, and now she and her family need our support.

In early December, Tasha, Rodney, and all of the children became sick with a respiratory virus and then with Covid. After several weeks of trying to manage at home, on December 17th, Rodney was admitted to KGH and it quickly became evident, just how sick he truly was. By the following afternoon (Dec 18th) it was also clear that Nazeera (their youngest daughter) was not managing well at home. She too was admitted to KGH and in addition to Covid, she was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Thankfully, Covid vaccinations protected the rest of the family and no other hospitalizations were required.

Tasha stayed at the hospital with Nazeera and attended diabetic teaching classes, trying to absorb all the new information while also struggling to support Rodney (who remains intubated in ICU) and her family at home. As you can imagine, the emotional strain has been overwhelming and along with that, Tasha is also dealing with the financial stress of having no income and an extremely uncertain future.

Nazeera is now home and they are adjusting to living with diabetes; however, Rodney remains in critical condition in ICU and the doctors have told the family they are unsure and "not optimistic about his outcome". At the very least, he will require upwards of 9 months in hospital and will likely need oxygen full time and/or a wheel chair, when he does go home. He remains extremely weak and the doctor does not feel he could survive another infection, blood clot or other complication.

We know that Rodney is tough and determined, and he has an entire army of people praying for and supporting him. We want to see him fully recovered and this is where we all come in … prayers, kind/supportive messages and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Nazeera's diabetic supplies are very costly as well as the new diet she needs to follow to keep her blood sugars stable.

All funds donated will go directly to the Prasad family, to support their day-to-day needs and medical expenses while Rodney and Tasha are unable to work. Thank you to everyone who has reached out - it means the world. If you are able to help in any way at all, we would be so grateful.