Support Riyaz in his Fight Against Cancer

Many of you reading this are already aware of my dear friend Riyaz’ recent diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, and for others this news may be a shock. It certainly was to him and his family when, after a persistent cough, an x-ray revealed a large mass in his lungs. What followed was several grueling weeks of diagnostic tests revealing significant spread throughout his body. For those of you wondering how he is doing now; while his spirit is strong, he has been experiencing a cough, fatigue, some shortness of breath and the need to take daily naps. On the treatment front there is some good news: Riyaz recently found out that he has a rare variant of lung cancer that makes him a candidate for a promising new targeted therapy. He, Karen and Taj are grateful, and counting their blessings every day about the possibilities for this treatment to extend his life, potentially for many years.

In the meantime, Riyaz and his family are finding themselves in the midst of some very real financial difficulties; They have already incurred significant expenses and expect this will continue for the next year and beyond. For the past two months both Karen and Riyaz have needed to relinquish work so they could devote themselves to the medical, physical, and psychological demands of this ordeal. Karen has recently returned to work, and Riyaz will soon return to a limited work schedule, depending on how his body handles the cancer treatment and its side effects. Currently they are living off Karen’s income alone (with no option of paid time off given that they are both self-employed). As these things go, medical expenses are piling up as Riyaz’ has sought further consultation from specialists outside of the limited Kaiser system. He has found significant guidance from a top lung cancer specialist at UCSF, as well as a wonderful integrative medicine doctor who is bringing an important holistic component to his healing (as well as helping to mitigate some of the side effects from his medication).

As you can imagine, one of the hardest parts of this process for Karen and Riyaz is helping their son Taj as he continues to take in this new reality while trying to live his life and maintain his studies. Riyaz and Karen have been flying Taj home from college every couple of weekends to stay connected and to help him process all that’s happening with his father during this challenging time.

Any of us who have had the honor and privilege to be around Riyaz during the last two months have been deeply moved by the grace and spiritual depth with which he has faced this incredible challenge. He is a model and teacher to us all. He has shown us how to face unthinkable challenges with equanimity, grace and love.

I’m sending this GoFundMe request out for Riyaz, Karen and Taj as one of Riyaz’ many dear friends, family, clients, students and mentees who have been profoundly changed and touched by his presence in our lives. Riyaz is unquestionably one of the most beautiful humans I have had the privilege to know and he needs our help. It is now his turn to receive after having given so much to so many.

Will you please join me in this effort by donating to help Riyaz and his family today?

With love and gratitude,

David Mulliken