Baran was diagnosed with ATRT in September 2014, a few days before he turned two years old. He sadly passed at the age of eight, after a six-year battle with cancer.
Baran faced his many challenges head on with fierce determination. His treatment left him with physical disabilities and he was unable to walk unaided. Once an independent little boy, it was very frustrating for him to lose his ability to walk. But he never left these obstacles keep him down, and he learned to walk with a special walking frame. He regained some of his independence, and was able to zoom around the hospital, making nurses laugh.
He had the most infectious laugh and people was always said that you could hear Baran before seeing him. He could always turn a sad occasion into a joyous one. This is what his family admired about him: seeing him smile and laugh and be happy despite his cancer diagnosis and physical disabilities. Seeing his strength and positivity helped them through an unimaginable time.
Baran gained strength from his baby sister Leyla, who brought him so much comfort. He often had to get ECG tests to measure his heart rate, and his heart rate would be all over the place which made it very difficult to get a steady reading. But as soon as he held Leyla in his arms, she calmed him and the nurses would be able to get the correct reading. They shared a very strong sibling bond. Photos and videos help keep Baran in Leyla’s memories (she was only two when he passed).
