April 15, 1983 – December 27, 2017
By Daisy & Marzban Ardeshir
The story below was shared by Imroze’s parents, Daisy and Marzban Ardeshir, in remembrance of their daughter’s strength, grace, and enduring spirit.
Our second child, Imroze, was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (FA) in 1996 at the age of 13. She had a poor appetite and was not gaining weight, so we took her to a pediatrician in early 1995, who recommended a blood test. The results were alarming. More tests followed. Though she was a delicate child, she bore the painful procedures with courage. At first, it was believed to be leukemia. We were referred to a specialist and, after further testing, she was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia the following year.
We reached out to what was then called the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. After learning more, we decided to pursue a bone marrow transplant. With help from family in the United Kingdom, we found a hospital that fit our needs and budget. Imroze had her first bone marrow transplant on October 24, 1996, but sadly it failed. A second transplant, done on December 6, 1996, was successful. Her sister, Farah, was her donor—a perfect match.
Imroze endured a great deal during treatment: chemotherapy, radiation, and endless needles in her arms and neck. She never complained.
After nearly a year in the UK, we returned home to India. Imroze resumed school and began recovering. She went on to graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management from Sophia College in Mumbai and later completed her postgraduate studies in London. The doctors who had performed her transplant continued to monitor her health every six months.
She excelled in her career, interning and then working at some of London’s most renowned hotels, the last being Hotel Corinthia. She was named Employee of the Month in May 2016, and we were overjoyed—hopeful that the hardest chapter of her life was finally behind her.
But in February 2017, tragedy struck again. A lump in her neck was found to be malignant. Surgery removed the cancer, but also her voice box. She underwent 30 intense sessions of radiotherapy, which left her unable to eat. Though she could speak using an artificial voice box, she disliked it and rarely used it. Still, she endured with grace and strength. By August 2017, she was declared cancer-free.
Just two months later, another lump appeared near her thigh and hip bone. The cancer had returned and spread. Doctors told us it was terminal. She was given approximately 10 months to live. After all she had survived, the news was devastating.
Imroze wanted to spend her final days with family. Her doctors warned her not to travel—saying she wouldn’t survive the flight to Canada. But with prayers on our lips and determination in our hearts, we brought her home. Her friends and colleagues in London visited to say goodbye. Though she told them she’d see them again, we all understood what her words truly meant.
She made the nine-hour flight to Toronto, where she was surrounded by loved ones. Her sister hosted a Christmas gathering, and friends and family came to bring joy and comfort. A few days later, on December 27, 2017, at 8:22 a.m., Imroze passed away peacefully, with all of us by her side.
Now she is free from pain, surrounded by angels.
