Honoring the Life and Memory of Suraj Mahadeva

Hi, my name is Anika Mahadeva and my family and I are raising funds for my cousin, Suraj

Mahadeva. On December 11th , Suraj Mahadeva lost his life as the result of a shooting in Palmer Square, Chicago. I really can’t stress this enough, but Suraj was one of the best people I knew. Whenever he smiled you’d smile too, and he’d make you laugh harder than anyone else. He lit up every room he was in. Suraj’s name means “Rising Sun”. Anyone that has known Suraj, knows that he shined brightly and gave a sense of warmth and joy like the Sun to everyone around him. He cherished his family and friends, and showed his love by cooking to nourish their mind and body. He really cared about helping others and it showed in his work and passions. Suraj was a dedicated medical clinician at a dermatology office in which he was aspiring to become a physician’s assistant. He was passionate about his Sri Lankan and Filipino cultural heritage and was an active member in both the Asian and LGBTQ community.

Suraj was vibrant, confident, talented, and so full of life. It breaks my heart that someone took that from him, but I know he would want us to celebrate his life and carry forward the positivity and genuine kindness he gave out into the world every day. Please help us honor his memory and continue his amazing influence on the world. Suraj is survived by his father, mother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He will

forever live in our hearts and in our memories. We love you Suraj.