When Ramash Quasba was diagnosed with COVID-19 last year, his family was devastated. Unfortunately, his symptoms progressed, leading to his hospitalization at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. After a valiant 6-week battle against the virus, the 67-year-old lost his fight on September 22, 2020, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandsons.
Ramash, who emigrated to the United States from India at the age of 26, had built a wonderful life here with a fulfilling career in mechanical engineering and a deep love for the American Indian community. “He was always the life of the party! From the young to the old, my father would make everyone feel special,” says his daughter, Naeha.
For his family, the worst part of the experience was not being able to visit him while he was hospitalized due to COVID-19 restrictions. “To see your loved one decline through brief video chats is the most heart-wrenching experience,” Naeha says. “He was fully alert and scared till the very end.”
Wishing to honor Ramash and express their gratitude to the hard-working intensive care unit (ICU) team who cared for him, the family decided to make a gift to the hospital that could help other patients and families in the ICU going through the same ordeal. They partnered with the hospital to purchase 10 iPads and stands, making it possible for patients in each room in the ICU to communicate constantly with their families and overcome some of the loneliness brought on by their separation.
“We wanted the iPads to be available for patients’ families to connect with their loved ones. Just having the iPad on continuously can provide reassurance to the patient,” Naeha notes. “We truly hope that these iPads are used every day—not only by the patients but also by their providers. For us, it was comforting to see the people who were caring for our father.”
Through this gesture, Ramash’s generous spirit lives on, helping others cope during the most difficult of times.