Bhavesh and I are extremely lucky to be known as Khushil’s parents. Khushil was a very positive, funny, loving, caring, honest, and inspiring young boy. Khushil is our only child.

Khushil lived his life at his own terms, he did not let his tumour dictate his life. His passion for studies and curiosity to learn new things every day was never lost. He not only achieved a lot but also taught us how to get through any adversity of life with a smile. He lived a fully accomplished life. He lived an 80-year-old person’s life in 14….

Khushil’s one of the proudest achievement is his Duke of Edinburgh Award. He completed all the four sections in just 10 months. Khushil received the ‘Most Inspirational’ award at the DofE celebration evening. But he was not only inspirational as a DofE participant 

Khushil inspired everyone through the quiet, methodical, determination he exhibited every day of his life. His attention to detail, his wit, his stubborn will to improve and succeed; his love of science, music, football, art and the natural world. Khushil had the passion, dedication and commitment to his studies. He loved school and those that taught him were awe struck by the positive attitude he showed towards his learning. Of course, what made Khushil’s achievements even more astounding was the fact they were achieved against a backdrop of such cruel adversity. Khushil ensured all his medical appointments and treatment would take place before or after school. In the final months, as his physical mobility deteriorated, the perseverance shown to simply get to school was astonishing, to go on to achieve so much even more so. Khushil did not see his illness as something that would stop him just another life hurdle that could be overcome – as always with dignity and tenacity.  He wanted to become scientist and a zoologist. He has received Student of the Year award and kept on going against all the adversity. He had the courage to stay calm in any situation and taught us how to live even if the life makes you live through your worst night mare. 

My son, Khushil, had a saying for life’s surprises – ‘So what?’ Khushil did not let life’s surprises phase him. He did not let them knock him back, and in doing so he proved an inspiration to us all.

The Khushil Pandya Fund

As parents all we want a change in the world of DIPG and get some research done in terms of treatment and medication as currently there is nothing. The only way to stop from parents losing their cheeky little ones is raise funds for research which would make difference and also give some hope to parents. Everyone is helping us raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity including friends, family , Khushil’s school and from our work place. 

Life without Khushil is definitely not an easy one, our loss can never be replaced and it has broken something within us that will never be re-joined. 

Please read the book dedicated to Khushil named “Perception” Experiencing the Wonders of Life for the full story. Book will be published on 8th December 2018 and will be available for pre-order from 8th November.