We’re writing this on behalf of Ashika Giri and her husband Rumit Kotak. Ashika is a beloved colleague, friend, and mother, and her daughter Thea, with Ashika’s full support and permission.

This fundraiser is being organized by Ashika’s manager and team and Thea’s godmother, Mollie, because Ashika is the kind of person who gives endlessly to others and would never ask for help on her own. Many people have asked how they can support Thea’s continued care. This page provides a practical way to do that.

Thea’s Story

Thea is a bright, brave 8-year-old who has endured more in her young life than most of us can imagine. Several years ago, she suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by viral encephalitis, resulting in severe damage to the entire right hemisphere of her brain. She was later diagnosed with refractory (drug-resistant) epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).

At her most critical point, Thea experienced hundreds of seizures in a single day. After exhausting all medical options, she underwent a functional hemispherectomy in November 2023—a major brain surgery in which the entire right hemisphere of her brain was disconnected in hopes of controlling her seizures.

The surgery helped reduce the frequency of Thea’s seizures, but it also permanently changed her life. While it gave her a chance at greater stability, Thea continues to face significant neurological challenges that affect her mobility, vision, learning, and daily functioning. She requires ongoing therapies and close support to help her navigate the world and reach her full potential.

Thea is currently non-ambulatory and requires 24/7 care, therapy, and monitoring. Because Rumit works in construction and cannot work remotely, Ashika carries the majority of Thea’s daily care while continuing to manage a demanding full-time role.

Through it all, Ashika and Rumit have remained proactive and steadfast advocates, pursuing every evidence-based option to give Thea the strongest possible future.

For anyone who would like to learn more about Thea’s early journey, Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland shared her story here .

Why We’re Asking for Help

Over the past several years, Thea’s medical care — including hospitalizations, surgery, and rehabilitation — has been covered through insurance.

The next phase of treatment they are pursuing is different.

After extensive research, consultations, and conversations with other families navigating similar neurological challenges, Ashika and Rumit identified a specialized functional neurology program that offers a comprehensive, integrative approach to supporting brain function.

This treatment is not covered by insurance.

They are fully committed to doing everything they can to provide this opportunity for Thea. At the same time, many friends, colleagues, and loved ones have asked how they can help. This fund simply creates a structured way to support Thea’s next phase of care for anyone who feels moved to do so.

Ashika has continued to show up with remarkable dedication and professionalism, balancing a demanding career while also advocating tirelessly for her daughter’s health and future. Those who work with her know her for her resilience, integrity, and commitment—qualities she brings to everything she does, both personally and professionally.

Recommended Treatment (Not Covered by Insurance)

The program focuses on intensive, non-invasive neurological therapies designed to stimulate and retrain the brain. Using targeted sensory, motor, and nervous system protocols, the goal is to strengthen neural pathways and support areas of the brain that can compensate for damaged regions.

The approach includes:

Multi-week clinical intensives

Stem cell therapy (VSEL)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Ongoing lab monitoring

Specialized home therapy devices to continue neurological stimulation between visits

While outcomes can never be guaranteed, families of children with similar neurological histories have reported encouraging improvements in seizure control, mobility, cognition, and quality of life.

This treatment represents a hopeful next step for Thea and her family as they continue to seek every possible avenue to support her health and long-term development.

Estimated Medical Costs (2-Year Plan)

Functional Neurology Intensive Program

VSEL Stem Cell Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Labs:

Essential Home Therapy Devices (One-Time Costs)

Subtotal: $17,900

Estimated Total Cost: ~ $181,292

These treatments are not covered by insurance, but are considered essential for maintaining neurological gains between clinical visits and supporting long-term progress. Even completing part of this plan would be life-changing for Thea.

How You Can Help

If you are able to donate, please know that every contribution—large or small—makes a real difference. If you’re not in a position to give financially, sharing this page or simply keeping Thea and her family in your thoughts means just as much.

There is no obligation—only gratitude.

With Deep Gratitude

Ashika is someone who gives tirelessly to her team, her company, and the people around her. This page simply creates an opportunity for those who have asked how they can help to do so in a meaningful and tangible way — in support of her daughter, her family, and Thea’s continued path toward healing and growth.

Thank you for being part of Thea’s village. Your support, compassion, and kindness mean more than words can express.

With heartfelt thanks,

Alison (Ashika's manager) & Mollie (Thea’s Godmother)