Join me in enhancing the experience of patients at Ross Heart Hospital.

Hello Buckeyes! My name is Naina Sarup, and I am a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Political Science and Finance. During my time at Ohio State, I have been fortunate to serve as a Political Science Student Ambassador, Logistics Lead for the Indian Students Association, and Student Lead for the Nonprofit Student Immersion Program, as well as participate in LeaderShape, a leadership institute that has shaped the way I see the world. None of these opportunities would have been possible without the love and encouragement of my family, my mom Poonam, my dad Raghu, and my sister Nandini, who have always been my greatest supporters.

In 2016, my family faced one of the most difficult experiences of our lives when my dad suffered cardiac arrest and had to undergo emergency bypass surgery. People with his condition survived less than 10% of the time, yet his doctors refused to give up. He was defibrillated many times and revived by their persistence, quick thinking, and dedication. I was just 12 years old, and my sister was 16. I still remember rushing to the hospital and spending weeks in waiting rooms, surrounded by friends and family, as my dad fought for his life. That experience was terrifying, but it also gave me a deep appreciation for the lifesaving care he received, and a new understanding of how important heart health is, especially in the South Asian community, where heart disease is tragically common.

Too many families do not realize the importance of preventative screenings like EKGs until it is too late. My dad’s blocked arteries could have been detected earlier, and I know firsthand how different life would look without the timely treatment and dedicated doctors he had.

That is why I am fundraising for the Ross Heart Hospital Patient Experience Fund. This fund supports programs and activities that enhance the patient experience, ensuring that families not only receive critical medical care but also the compassion, comfort, and support they need during incredibly difficult times. I will never forget the kindness and passion of the staff who supported my family during those long and uncertain weeks.

For me, this cause is deeply personal. It is a way to honor my dad’s journey, raise awareness about heart health in the South Asian community, and give back to a hospital that makes survival and healing possible for so many families.

Please join me in supporting the Ross Heart Hospital Patient Experience Fund. Together, we can help ensure that patients and their loved ones feel cared for, supported, and hopeful as they face the fight of their lives. This campaign also raises awareness about heart disease, a condition that can often be detected early with a simple 5 to 10-minute electrocardiogram, or EKG: a test that could have prevented my dad's heart attack. Heart disease is largely preventable, so let’s work together to prevent it and protect the lives of those we love.