A Family’s Journey of Love, Loss & Advocacy

When Parvathy and Iyer Krishnan decided to start a family, they had no idea they were both carriers of a hereditary genetic mutation linked to Lynch syndrome — a condition commonly associated with increased cancer risk in adulthood.
What they did not know was that this shared genetic legacy would shape their children’s lives in ways they could never have imagined.

Understanding CMMRD

Their son Yash and daughter Ira were both diagnosed with Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD), an ultra-rare hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome.

Unlike Lynch syndrome, where a single mutated gene increases cancer risk later in life, CMMRD involves mutations in both copies of mismatch repair genes. This leads to a significantly higher likelihood of developing cancers at a very young age, often in childhood.

Because of this, individuals with CMMRD require constant monitoring, frequent screenings, and early medical intervention.

Childhood Battles & Family Strength

Yash: The Warrior

Yash began showing symptoms at just four years old, with rectal bleeding that went undiagnosed for years. At age six, a colonoscopy revealed polyps, and by eight, genetic testing confirmed CMMRD.

Since then, he has faced multiple cancers, undergone extensive surgeries, and continues to receive ongoing care at institutions including Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Despite these challenges, Yash lives with remarkable strength and optimism. He is passionate about sports, enjoys academics, and plays violin in his school band.

As he puts it:

“I light the way for other kids who like sports but have cancer and are unable to fight like me.”

Ira: A Bright Light Though Brief

Ira also lived with CMMRD, along with several other rare conditions. Her life, though brief, left a lasting impact on her family and community. She passed away at just four years old.

Her memory continues to guide the foundation’s mission and serves as a constant source of strength and purpose in the work they do today.

From Personal Fight to Public Advocacy

After years of navigating a medical system that often lacked awareness of CMMRD, the Krishnans transformed their personal journey into a broader mission to support others.

They founded the Krishnan Family Foundation to raise awareness, support research, and provide resources to families facing similar challenges.

Advancing Awareness, Support, and Research

The foundation focuses on:

●  Advocating for public policy improvements in rare disease care Parvathy has become a leading advocate in the rare disease community, sharing her family’s story to educate caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Yash also plays an active role, helping ensure that the patient perspective is represented in advocacy and policy conversations.

●  Raising global awareness of CMMRD

●  Supporting families through education and resources

●  Advancing research and scientific collaboration

Community Action & Giving Back

The Krishnans have extended their impact through partnerships and community initiatives that support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

They have worked with organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to fundraise for research and have collaborated with The Blood Connection to promote blood donation efforts.

In addition, they have organized donation drives, provided care packages for families, supported hospital programs, and contributed to pediatric palliative care initiatives — all rooted in their commitment to giving back.

A Legacy of Hope

The work of the Krishnan Family Foundation continues to grow through programs, advocacy, and research initiatives inspired by personal loss and resilience.

Their mission remains clear: to ensure that no family facing CMMRD feels alone.

Through awareness, support, and continued advocacy, they are helping to build a future where earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and stronger community support are possible for all families affected by CMMRD.

Learn More & Get Involved

Media:

• https://coloncancercoalition.org/2020/02/29/rare-disease-day-qa-with-parvathy-krishnan/
• https://www.alexslemonade.org/hero/yash-krishnan
• https://www.asheville.com/news/2022/09/the-blood-connection-offering-community-members-chance-to-double-their-donation/
• https://www.postandcourier.com/moultrie-news/news/blood-donors-can-double-their-donation-with-the-blood-connection/article_3c7ea91a-2acc-11ed-ba48-3bee62365c59.html
• https://www.wataugademocrat.com/mountaintimes/entertainment/community_events/the-blood-connection-offering-community-members-chance-to-double-their-donation/article_7a370a1a-2886-11ed-8606-f319718d9419.html
• http://www.spartanweeklyonline.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/September222022.pdf
• https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/after-sisters-death-cary-boy-with-same-rare-disease-gives-back/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/yash-krishnan-alex-lemonade-stand-a-stand-for-hope-telethon/
• https://effieparks.com/podcast/episode-118-parvathy-raman-krishnan
• https://aliveandkickn.libsyn.com/2021/02
• https://anchor.fm/theraredisorderpodcast/episodes/30–Meet-an-Expert-The-Rare-Disorder-Podcast-X-Global-Genes-ft–Parvathy-Krishnan–Foundation-Alliance-Manager-e18q2v7/a-a1pvrs