When Needhika and Tarak first walked into the lobby of Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), they weren’t just stepping into a new chapter of their lives—they were leaping into the unknown. Behind them lay countless miles traveled, from bustling cities to quiet hospital corridors. Ahead of them stretched even more uncertainty. Their son, Nirvan, was battling a rare and mysterious illness that defied medical understanding.
In the past 60 years, only 38 cases similar to Nirvan’s medical diagnosis had been reported worldwide. This fact painted a daunting picture for the family. It meant there was little funding for research, no established treatment methods, and no proven path forward. For Needhika and Tarak, this made every day fraught with fear and uncertainty. Despite the medical challenges, they spent every moment by their son’s side, praying for a miracle—a chance for Nirvan to live a long and fulfilling life.
Amid all this fear and uncertainty, RMH-NY became a place of immense support, offering not just shelter but also a sense of family. This is the story of how one family, pushed to their limits by an unthinkable diagnosis, found not just a roof over their heads but a community of strength inside the walls of RMH-NY.
From Diagnosis to Despair
Nirvan’s story began as one of joy. Born in Baltimore, he brought immense happiness to Needhika and Tarak, who reveled in the joy of their newborn. But when Nirvan was just a few weeks old, signs of something being wrong began to emerge. Strange fevers and persistent, inexplicable infections plagued him. Doctors couldn’t agree on a diagnosis. As his symptoms worsened, uncertainty quickly turned to desperation. When Nirvan turned one, his parents decided to move back to India to be closer to family during this challenging time.
After returning to India, Nirvan’s immune system became increasingly unpredictable. Sometimes it failed to protect him from illnesses; other times, it attacked his internal organs. Over 100 doctors, countless tests, and endless consultations left his parents with more questions than answers. The family was adrift, trying to make sense of their son’s condition without any clear solutions. “It was terrifying,” Needhika recalled. “No one knew what was wrong.”
Months of medical treatment followed, and eventually, the family moved back to Baltimore on a medical visa, seeking care at the renowned Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Two months in the ICU proved especially taxing, both emotionally and financially. As doctors continued to search for answers, their financial and emotional reserves were drained. Then, a glimmer of hope appeared: a new treatment plan at New York Presbyterian Hospital. With nothing but their faith and hope for healing, they made the decision to relocate to New York City.
Little did they know, the journey they were embarking on would not only change Nirvan’s life but their own in ways they never anticipated.
A Roof—and So Much More
The family arrived at RMH-NY late in the evening, exhausted and apprehensive. They had just left their family home in Baltimore and were unsure of what awaited them. All they expected was a roof over their heads, a place to rest while Nirvan continued his medical treatments. What they discovered was far beyond what they had anticipated.
“We only expected a roof over our heads,” Needhika shared. “After everything we had been through, our expectations were low.”
But what they found was a place that offered so much more than shelter.
“It felt like a community,” Tarak reflected. “Families shared meals, stories, and tears. It wasn’t just a shelter—it was a place of strength and connection.”
What began as a search for temporary housing quickly evolved into something far more significant. The communal spaces, such as the kitchen and playroom, provided not only a physical place for the family to gather but also the emotional support they needed so desperately. For Needhika, the art section in the playroom became a sanctuary. Creating art offered her solace and became an important part of her daily routine.
“We had no idea what to expect,” she said, “but the House gave us so much more than we ever imagined. It became home.”
Nirvan’s Fight
Since the age of one, Nirvan has spent most of his life in a hospital bed. His quiet courage in the face of relentless treatments, setbacks, and medical procedures has made him a symbol of resilience. Each small victory—whether it was a day without fever or a fleeting smile in the midst of pain—was celebrated as a triumph. Each setback, however, weighed heavily on his parents’ hearts.
Needhika has spent much of her time beside Nirvan in the hospital, but RMH-NY has given her a rare moment of respite from the overwhelming stresses of her daily life.
“When I come here, I feel like I can breathe again,” she shared. “It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place that allows me to rest and take care of myself, which is so important when you’re living in constant crisis.”
At RMH-NY, the space to relax, recharge, and regain emotional strength has been critical for Needhika and Tarak. It has provided them with the tools they need to remain strong for their son. The House’s holistic support, offering both physical and emotional resources, has been a lifeline.
Art as Therapy
In the midst of Nirvan’s ongoing medical battle, Needhika found an unexpected source of solace: art. Her journey into art therapy began during one of Nirvan’s hospital stays when an art therapist at Johns Hopkins gave her a box of supplies. At first, her hands trembled too much from stress to bring her ideas to life, but she persevered. Months later, as she settled into RMH-NY, creating art in the playroom became her happy place. Surrounded by supplies and encouraged by the staff, she began crafting pieces inspired by her culture and her son.
“They ordered me canvases and the mirrors you see in the paintings,” she recalled. “They were about to throw out the gemstones they had gathered, but I kept them to use.” These discarded materials found new life in her work, becoming a therapeutic outlet during an emotionally draining time.
One of her first creations at RMH-NY was a "Tree of Life," adorned with lotuses, peacocks, and shimmering gemstones. “It represents growth, resilience, and hope,” she explained. Each piece she made became a tribute to her journey and her son’s strength. For Needhika, art became not just an escape from stress but a way to channel her powerful emotions: the fear, hope, and love she felt for her son.
Art on Display
On Wednesday, December 4th, after many weeks of preparation and months and months of creation, Needhika, with the assistance of Nadia and Tuesday in Programs and Angelica in the Wellness Center, opened her first pop-up art gallery in the Wellness Center at Ronald McDonald House New York. The pop-up gallery featured all of the work Needhika had created since she began dabbling with her hidden talents at John Hopkins.
Art Exhibit by Needhika
Madhubani and Kalamkari to Warli and Pattachrita Style
Photo Gallery
Angelica spoke to the vibe around the pop-up,
"The pop up was really beautiful and was displayed throughout the day. At one point we had reflexology going on in the background while families and staff came up to see it. Families from India and Bangladesh were really happy to see a familiar art work style on display. There was a sense of calm and peacefulness during the exhibit which people really picked up on."
Today, her artwork decorates the walls of their RMH-NY room, each piece a reminder that beauty can emerge from pain. Needhika has also showcased her work on Instagram at @colorfulcanvas_by_needhi. “It’s become my way of sharing my story and my strength,” she said. Through this creative outlet, she has connected with others facing similar struggles, offering both herself and others a sense of hope and inspiration.
To follow Nirvan’s journey, visit @nikku_our_little_boy on Instagram, where his parents share moments to remember.
The Bonds That Heal
One of the most unexpected and meaningful aspects of their time at RMH-NY has been the sense of community. The bonds formed with other families facing similar struggles have been just as healing as the tangible resources the House provides. Tarak, who is naturally more introverted than his wife, found himself opening up to other parents during shared meals in the dining room. Needhika leaned on the friendships she formed to navigate her most difficult days.
“The other families here—they understand in a way no one else can,” Needhika shared. “We’re all walking similar paths, and that shared experience makes you feel less alone.”
The staff at RMH-NY has also played an instrumental role in the family’s journey. Social workers have helped them navigate complex healthcare logistics, and volunteers have offered kind words during tough days. Even small gestures—like a hot cup of coffee from the House’s coffee station—have brought moments of calm at precisely the right time, making overwhelming days feel more manageable.
Redefining “Home”
For years, Nirvan’s parents have spent more nights in hospitals than in their own home. With each move, “home” began to lose its meaning. But at RMH-NY, they found not only shelter but emotional support they never expected. The House has become the place where they feel most secure.
“The House gave us back something we thought we’d lost,” Tarak said. “It gave us stability. It gave us hope. I didn’t think there was a heaven on Earth, but Ronald McDonald House New York is just that.”
Cherishing Every Moment
Nirvan’s journey is complex and ongoing, but Needhika and Tarak have found hope, support, and love at RMH-NY. The House has been more than a place to stay—it has been a sanctuary for healing, community, and creating cherished memories. From shared meals to art therapy, RMH-NY offers families like theirs a lifeline during their most difficult days.
Needhika’s artwork, a profound expression of her strength and resilience, continues to inspire others.
As Nirvan’s story unfolds, RMH-NY continues to provide the love and support they need. This extraordinary community enables families to focus on what truly matters—cherishing every precious moment together.
Your support makes stories like Nirvan’s possible. Donate today to help RMH-NY provide comfort, care, and hope to families facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we can be there for them, one moment at a time.
