Support Suriya's Treatment and Journey to Recovery

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 Suriya visited Children’s Hospital Emergency Room following several days of nontypical behavior. While getting checked out by the doctor he suffered a seizure and was admitted to the hospital. Through blood tests, MRIs, a spinal tap, and other medical investigation, it is highly likely that Suriya is suffering from autoimmune encephalitis – a rare neurological disease where the immune system attacks the brain causing inflammation. On the eve of discharge, Suriya experienced multiple seizures (ongoing) which moved him from the neurology department to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). He is currently undergoing plasma transfusion treatment, a process of separating out the problematic parts of his blood, re-infusing healthy plasma, and then reintegrating the blood into his system.

Suriya is a thoughtful, academic, and family-centered 15 year old boy. Having moved to the United States from Tamil Nadu, India with his widowed mother and younger brother in 2022, he has committed himself to academic excellence and is navigating his way as a new “American teen.” While in the hospital, he is ever-connected to his mother, who has not left his side, and speaks with his brother daily via Facetime.

Britha, Suriya’s mother, is a public Montessori elementary school teacher. Both her school community and the boys’ public middle and high school communities are rallying to support the family in every way they can. This GoFundMe is one of those ways.

Due to PICU restrictions, Britha is happy to meet visitors in the waiting room.