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I wanted to retell the story of Rohan Malempati. As we start the craziness of the holidays, I wanted to take a moment to remind us of this beautiful person who changed the lives of so many Interact students and their sponsors. I asked sponsor Melissa Zientara to share with us Rohan's story. Rohan was born with a rare genetic disorder call Omenn Syndrome. Omenn Syndrome is an immunodeficiency disorder that affects so many parts of the body. Without the bone marrow transplant that he received from his uncle shortly after birth, he would ave died. For the first few years of his life, he was in and out of hospitals. His physical health was often in decline, especially his lungs. However, his intellectual functioning was sharp as a tack! Rohan was one of the most thoughtful and hilarious kids you will ever meet! He never once complained about not feeling well. Rohan was an old soul. He loved shows like "Maude" and "Little House on the Prairie". Shirley Temple and the Muppets were among his favorites, too. While part of Interact, he was the community building chairperson (2012-2013). At an HP Rotary meeting in September 2012, he gave an amazing speech about himself and about Rotary. He ended it with an enthusiastic "Go Rotary!" Every night, all the club's officers got a text, "Good night, Rotary Crew." It was the perfect way to end their day! Rohan lived and breathed Rotary. He never before in his life felt connected like he did as a member of Rotary. For the first time, he felt accepted and a part of something. It gave him such happiness. He even chose the club's theme song, "Heal the World". In February 2013, the family moved to the Atlanta area, but continued to be an important member of the club. He would Face-Time into meetings and keep up with everyone through the HPHS Interact Facebook group. On September 10, 2013, Rohan suffered a massive seizure that caused a traumatic brain injury. He was in ICU until December of that year. He went home for hospice care for a few weeks, had another seizure and was re-admitted into ICU until early February. He went home again to hospice care and passed away on February 19, 2014. Many of his family members shared with Melissa that Rotary changed his life. The club honors Rohan with his initials on their t-shirts to remind them of his sense of "Service Above Self". To Melissa, Rohan was an angel sent from heaven. He touched her heart in ways that changed her forever. She said, "I will carry Rohan's spirit with me for the rest of my life and continue to pass on his message of love, peace, hope and kindness." I can't think of a better tribute to such an inspiring person. |
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