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Arya Parikh twirled through life with the bright belief that unicorns were real and magic lived all around us.
At just 6 years old, the Plainview girl was a force of joy — a budding gymnast, Tae Kwon Do student, and waterbug who glided through water like it was her second home. She made friends wherever she went, left joy in her wake, and filled the room with her laughter and wide-open heart.
“She had an infectious laugh, a kind spirit, and a heart big enough to fill every room,” her parents, Dr. Saumil and Joseph Parikh, wrote in her obituary. “She was our Gerber baby — a true beauty inside and out.”
Arya, a first-grader at Plainview Elementary School, died on June 26, three days after undergoing what was supposed to be a routine tonsillectomy. A sudden and catastrophic post-operative hemorrhage at home — three days after the surgery — led to irreversible brain injury.
Despite all efforts by medical professionals, Arya passed away that evening at 9:56 p.m., surrounded by love.
“In her final moments, Arya gave one last selfless gift — the gift of organ donation, allowing other children to live because of her grace and unbounded kindness,” her family wrote. “Even in her final act, our angel gave back, just as she always did.”
A final act of kindness
Her name, Arya — of Sanskrit origin — means “noble” or “honorable,” a meaning her family said she lived up to daily with grace, compassion and instinctive love. In a final example of her generous nature, Arya’s organs were donated to help other children in need.
“Even in her final act, our angel gave back,” her parents wrote. “She didn’t make it to her seventh birthday … but in six short years, she gave us a lifetime of love and memories.”
Arya is survived by her parents and her older sister, Sofia Anjali Parikh.
Wave of support from community
Arya’s sudden passing has left her Long Island community devastated — and responding with an overwhelming wave of support. Two GoFundMe campaigns launched to support her family in the days after her emergency hospitalization have raised nearly $150,000 combined through more than 1,500 donations.
One effort, created by family friend Richard Shin, has collected over $89,000.
“[Arya] was kind, spunky, full of joy, and deeply loved by her doting Papas,” Shin wrote. “Rest in peace, our sweet Arya. Our souls will forever bathe in your glorious essence, illuminated by your brilliant radiance.”
A second fundraiser, organized by “Team Arya,” has collected more than $57,000.
“Arya was a bright light in our community… who brought smile to everyone who knew her,” the campaign reads. “Her spirit, love and laughter will forever live in our hearts.”
The funds raised through the GoFundMe campaigns will help cover the unexpected and overwhelming expenses Arya’s family now faces, the organizers said. This includes medical bills from her hospitalization, funeral and memorial service costs, and ongoing support for the family in their bereavement.
Both campaigns emphasize the importance of easing the financial burden so Arya’s parents can focus on healing and honoring her memory. Beyond immediate expenses, the donations are intended to provide long-term assistance to the Parikh family, including support for Arya’s sister, Sofia, as she adjusts to life without her little sister.
Funeral services
Funeral services for Arya will be held over two days at Park Funeral Chapels, located at 2175 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park.
On Sunday, July 6, a viewing with Catholic prayers will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by a viewing with Hindu prayers from 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral will take place at Park Funeral Chapels on Monday, July 7, from 10 to 11 a.m.
To honor Arya’s memory, guests are encouraged to wear light pink — her favorite color — or traditional funeral attire according to their custom.
“She is now in heaven, one with God, playing with her grandfather and great-grandparents, as well as her late dog LuAnn,” her parents wrote. “Her spirit, forever our brightest star, reborn in this world or the next.”
Top photo: Arya Parikh (GoFundMe).
