Medical Evacuation & Recovery Support for Dhana

Rallying Around Our Friend Dhana & His Family

We’re a group of close friends writing on behalf of Dhana’s wife to ask for your help.

Dhana (age: 39) currently living in Phoenix, Arizona, has been fighting sarcoma cancer with quiet courage since 2019, but the last few weeks have been especially devastating.

On June 26, he was rushed to the ER with severe chest pain and was diagnosed with a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Emergency surgery was performed, including a talc pleurodesis and lung wedge resection, to stabilize his condition. In the days that followed, Dhana continued to experience persistent fevers and dangerously high heart rates. On July 18, blood cultures confirmed he had a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, and doctors immediately began aggressive antibiotic treatment.

Just as a discharge seemed within reach, another major setback occurred. On July 26, Dhana coughed up blood (hemoptysis). Imaging revealed that the bleeding was coming from a necrotic (dead) tumor cavity—likely a result of earlier ablation therapy. He had to undergo a bronchial embolization procedure to stop the internal bleeding. He is now continuing on strong antibiotics, requires constant oxygen support, and remains under close medical supervision at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ.

Doctors have advised that once he is stable, Dhana should return to India for long-term care—to be surrounded by his young son, his wife, and extended family. This return, however, will require special medical arrangements, including oxygen support and professional medical assistance during travel.

We are urgently organizing this fundraiser to help the family manage an overwhelming set of challenges. The funds will be directed toward:

1. Emergency medical transport requiring oxygen-supported international travel

2. Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation upon return to India

3. Essential living expenses as the family navigates this critical period of transition

4. Child education expenses, which have become increasingly difficult to manage amidst the medical and financial strain

5. Future medical care in India, where insurance coverage is not available due to his pre-existing condition

Dhana is not someone who would ever ask for help—so we, as his friends, are asking on his behalf. Every contribution, share, or kind message will help lift some of the burden from his wife and family, and bring them one step closer to being together again in a place where they can rebuild and heal.

All funds will be transferred directly to his wife, and we will continue to provide updates on his condition and how your generosity is helping.

Thank you for standing with them during this incredibly difficult journey.

—with gratitude,

Friends of Dhana & Family