The Shah family: Shining a bright light on second chances
Meet the Shah family, who took their son’s second chance at life as an opportunity to make the world an exponentially better place.
A second chance is a gift afforded to few — a second chance at life is even rarer. Yet 10 years ago, that extremely unique opportunity was given to Kian Shah and his family. Kian was born in 2005 with a rare disease called Biliary Atresia that kept his gallbladder and liver from functioning. After a failed operation, Kian’s parents were told that he would not survive past his 1st birthday without a liver transplant. Thankfully, his doctors found a liver for Kian in the nick of time. The surgery was transformative, not only for Kian’s health, but also in the way that the Shah family approaches life.
“Life is for living and we take more risks, more adventures and make more memories,” said Nishma, Kian’s mother.
Their gratefulness for the transplant has seeped into their everyday lives, as the Shahs are not quick to forget their fortune. While living in London, Nishma was heavily involved in fundraising for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation and King’s College Hospital, where Kian had his transplant. This community was important to the Shahs throughout the initial years of Kian’s life, and Nishma felt strongly about giving back. Nishma also organized a King’s Kids support group for children and their families, facilitating an opportunity for sick kids to forget about their ailments and focus on fun festivites and parties.
Clearly, gratitude is an integral part of the Shah’s lives. Each year, they cut a cake, say a prayer and release balloons to honor the family that gave life back to Kian. To celebrate 10 years since the successful transplant, the Shah family wanted to do something especially memorable. They decided the best way to celebrate the value of life was through education.
Both 11-year-old Kian and his 8-year-old sister Sami have observed the value and privilege of an education, and they both desired to help bring it to those less fortunate. After exploring the world togther — the Shahs have traveled to Australia, India and Europe, and relocated to the U.S. in 2013 — they felt the best way to commerate the anniversary was to help build a school! Nishma dedicated the proceeds from her book, Optimize Your Child’s Mind Body and Soul towards the build, and they’ve already reached their goal to build a school in Ghana. As Nishma said:
“Education will help children see the world around them and change it for the better.”
Kian’s health has improved exponentially through his childhood. Though there have been challenges, he remains active; last year, he participated in the World Transplant Games, winning 4 gold medals, 1 silver and beating the world record on long jump for his age group! Needless to say, Kian’s outlook — “life after a transplant can be full and fun!” — has inspired many children and their families.
We’re incredibly moved that the Shah family chose to honor this momentous occasion through a school build. It’s not easy to remember to take advantage of all the opportunities we’re given, but the Shahs exemplify that the best way to make the most of our time is to use it to make a difference. We can only hope that others will be motivated to use any second chances they’re given half as well as the Shah family has used theirs.
______________________
Our PoP family is always growing. We’d love for you to join us.
Visit the Shah family’s campaign page:
