Huntsville, Alabama— A promising student from Telangana, Priyanka Kondi, tragically passed away in the U.S. after being declared brain dead on May 7, 2025. Her family, grappling with grief and financial hardship, has launched a fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses and repatriate her body to India.
Key Facts:
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Name: Priyanka Kondi, 30, from Pandepally village, Nalgonda district, Telangana
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Education: Master's graduate from the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH)
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Cause of Death: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) leading to brain death on May 7, 2025
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Fundraising Platform: GoFundMe campaign initiated by family and friends
Priyanka had traveled to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue higher education and had recently completed her master's degree at UAH. While on Optional Practical Training (OPT), she was actively seeking employment opportunities to support her family and repay educational loans. On May 5, she was rushed to the Huntsville Emergency Room and diagnosed with Stage 4 Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to severe internal bleeding and loss of consciousness. Despite intensive care, she was declared brain dead two days later.
The suddenness of Priyanka's illness and passing has left her family in shock. Her father, Venkat Reddy, and other family members, who rely solely on farming for their livelihood, are struggling to cope with the emotional and financial burden. They have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for transporting her body back to India and to settle her educational debts.
This tragic incident underscores the challenges faced by international students and their families, particularly when unexpected medical emergencies arise. It also highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis.
"Her family is unable to manage these unexpected and overwhelming expenses on their own," stated Harvinder Reddy, a family friend who organized the GoFundMe campaign.
Do You Know?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
Key Terms:
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): A period during which international students on F-1 visas can work in the U.S. in their field of study.
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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells.
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GoFundMe: An online crowdfunding platform that allows people to raise money for various personal causes and life events.