Nirvan
In November of 2022, Needhika and Tarak joyfully welcomed their first child—a baby boy named Nirvan. From the very beginning, Nirvan was their little bundle of joy: sweet, cuddly and more than they had ever dreamed.
But just 10 days after his birth, their world was shaken when Nirvan developed an infection that required a week-long hospital stay—the first of many hospitalizations that would mark the early months of his life.
Desperate for answers, Needhika and Tarak turned to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. It was there they received a life-altering diagnosis: Nirvan had an extraordinarily rare genetic mutation known as PGM3. The condition left him severely immunocompromised, physically fragile and unable to produce his own blood cells.
Though the news was devastating, Nirvan’s parents placed their faith in his medical team and clung to hope. Nirvan's care quickly became a complex, coordinated effort—involving a pediatrician, hematologist, immunologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, dermatologist and a full team of therapists, including speech, physical and occupational specialists.
Over the next 22 months, Nirvan’s life unfolded mostly within the walls of the hospital—much of it in intensive care. He endured numerous procedures and surgeries, battled recurring infections and underwent countless blood transfusions and therapies.
Throughout it all, Nirvan was surrounded by a devoted team of doctors, nurses and therapists who worked tirelessly to help him heal, grow and experience life as fully and meaningfully as possible. He spent most of his time on the 9 North and 9 South floors, where he became a beloved presence among the staff.
Despite the daily battles he faced and the pain he endured, Nirvan met the world with joy. His laughter, light and resilient spirit became the heartbeat of his parents’ lives, their greatest purpose and deepest source of love.
In January, Nirvan tragically passed away from septic shock in the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Though their loss is immeasurable, his parents remain forever grateful to the Johns Hopkins team for their unwavering compassion, strength and the courage they shared in walking every step of Nirvan’s journey with them.
“I truly believe it takes a village to care for children, and the Hopkins community was that village for us. They supported us with countless small acts of kindness, like encouraging us to step outside for fresh air and providing blankets when we were cold. It was those thoughtful, everyday gestures that made the Children’s Center truly special.” Needhika said.
Join our village—register today for Miracles in Motion and help provide the same kindness, comfort and support to patients like Nirvan at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
