On May 7th, 2022, our family got a call from the police, delivering tragic news that turned our world upside down. Kamran, my husband of 45 years, suffered a massive stroke while driving a coworker home. He was later diagnosed with a complete basilar artery occlusion and bilateral pontine infarction, something only seen in 1% of stroke victims. After numerous MRIs, emergency treatments, and a failed Thrombectomy surgery that couldn't release his artery blockage, he is currently left in a state called Locked-In Syndrome. This means he is completely quadriplegic, mute, unable to breath or eat on his own, yet completely cognizant and can hear, feel, see and understand everything. 

For the last 3 weeks, our family has been broken and grieving what we have lost, as our lively and able-bodied husband, father and grandfather. This horrible event was unforeseen since Kamran was completely healthy, independent and full of life. He recently relocated to Arizona to set roots for our retirement, which we were looking forward to, just weeks from this happening, to finally live out our lives together, making the timing of this even more excruciating. When hearing of his stroke, our entire family rushed from California to see Kamran, praying he was still with us. Our family came together to help manage the pieces of this tragedy, including taking over all the family and financial responsibilities he handled so effortlessly. Since then, we have had to put our jobs and lives on hold to be able to maintain his health/treatment and take care of the man who took care of us for so long. We have been traveling back and forth between states, in and out of doctor's meetings and sleeping in the ICU and long-term care facility rooms, all day and night to be by his side and support him through this horrible situation, as his advocates, since he is unable to speak for himself. But through it all, Kamran has shown the bravery and resilience to keep fighting and the will to improve, giving us all the hope of having more time to make memories with him. If there was anyone more deserving of love, hope and support, its our Kamran.

Kamran is the most selfless and kind person we know, always ready to give a helping hand and befriend anyone and everyone he encounters. An immigrant who came from Iran when he was 15, he has made a legacy for our family, dedicating his life to working hard, from the bottom up and leaving behind a successful career in IT of over 40+ years.  Whenever he met someone new, you could guarantee he would always be warm and welcoming, making everyone smile or laugh; with his dad jokes,  advice on computers, cars, and housework. He is loved and respected by everyone who knows him and a friend to all. We have 3 beautiful children who unconditionally love him and an amazing 4-year-old grandson who adores his grandfather. 

If you are able to and gracious enough to contribute to our family, your donations will be used to cover Kamran's hospital bills and care, our family's transportation to be by his side, continuously through this long process. It will also help with relocating Kamran back to California where we can take care of him as part of a long-term plan. Your generosity will help strengthen our hope and faith of Kamran regaining as many capabilities and quality of life as he can,  to still enjoy time with us, see our kids succeed, see his grandson grow up and spend our golden years as life partners, no matter the obstacles we face. We are grateful for anything and everything you can contribute and our family humbly thanks you for your time, support and kindness.

Sincerely, 
Barbara Shabaniani