Arya Parikh’s parents honor Plainview ER team months after tragic loss

The family of 6-year-old Arya Parikh returned this week to the emergency department at Northwell Health’s Plainview Hospital — not in crisis, but in gratitude.

Dr. Saumil and Joseph Parikh hosted a heartfelt tribute honoring the physicians, nurses and frontline staff who cared for their daughter in her final hours last summer.

As previously reported by Greater Long Island, Arya, a first grader in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, died June 26, just three days after what had been expected to be a routine tonsillectomy. She suffered a sudden and severe post-operative hemorrhage at home that led to irreversible brain injury.

The Parikh family said they wanted to personally thank the emergency department team that fought to save Arya’s life and supported them through an unimaginable ordeal.

“Our daughter Arya was surrounded by extraordinary caregivers who treated her with dignity, compassion and unwavering dedication,” the Parikhs said in a statement. “We are forever grateful for the emergency department team who stood beside our family.”

“It is both humbling and deeply meaningful to be recognized during such a personal and emotional time,” said Dr. Alan Kaplan, chair of emergency medicine at Plainview Hospital.

“Our emergency department team is committed not only to delivering the highest standard of medical care, but also to providing compassion and support to patients and families when they need it most,” Kaplan continued. “Arya and the Parikh family will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

In the wake of their loss, the Parikhs also made the decision to donate Arya’s organs, helping save the lives of others, doctors said, and ensuring her legacy of kindness lives on.

Two GoFundMe campaigns created in Arya’s memory have together raised more than $153,000 to support related causes and honor her life.

_{Top: photos courtesy of GoFundMe and Northwell Health.}