Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Chaaya Andal Prasad entered this world with as much beauty and grace as the way she left it. Her life was cut too short and our hearts are broken. She fought the hardest battle of her life and was surrounded by her loved ones. On August 17, 2015, we took Chaaya to the ER in the local town to be then ushered into an ambulance to the Children’s Hospital in Dallas. It wasn’t until later the next day (which felt like eternity) we were finally told that she had an incurable brain tumor, DIPG, and a zero percent chance of surviving.

When you are told a worst parents’ nightmare, the first thing you think of is fighting with all of our might. We were fortunately accepted into a trial shortly after her diagnosis at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee. Because the doctors saw progression, she was taken off the trial in February, 2016. While we were at St. Jude, we were still under an oncologist’s care in Dallas, which was able to get her into another trial right here in Dallas. Unfortunately, that trial didn't come up with the results we wanted and we resorted to re-irradiation, which gave us six more months that we didn't have beforehand. We were running out of options. We read the statistics and we did everything in our power to make sure she got to do all of her bucket list items. One of the first things on her list was going to Paris, France.

With the help of St. Jude and Make-A-Wish, Chaaya’s wish came true. She then wanted to go to NYC to visit the big Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center and many of our family members came along, as well. We took a side trip to San Antonio to which would also be our last outing, to one of her favorite resorts down there. She didn’t just want to go places, she wanted to make magical memories with her family. We as a family have always loved taking vacations rather than getting things, because the memories will always be there.

Chaaya had many loves: her parents; her older sister, Malini, and her younger brother, Rayan; the water, especially the beach; traveling; and, dogs. Her dog, Dash, whom she doted on, was an integral part of Chaaya’s life. We rescued him on her birthday. When she grew up, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, with a particular affinity for puppies! She wasn’t quick to make friends, but when she did, she kept them for life and close to her heart. Chaaya had an amazing sense of adventure, riding her bike, rock climbing, horseback riding, and swimming to name a few. She also had a quirky sense of humor which came out when you least expected it.

Chaaya had this laugh that no one could ever imitate. It made you want to laugh and smile with her even though you didn’t know what she was giggling about! She had this inner strength and light that drew everyone in, and even more so during her courageous fight.
Chaaya left an indelible mark on our hearts and lives and she will be forever etched in our memories. We will always have our forever angel named Chaaya Doll. Donations made in honor of Chaaya support the North Texas Chapter of The Cure Starts Now.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chaayaprasad