Arav Ashok Selvam

Arav Ashok Selvam, age four months, died after a courageous battle with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on December 22, 2025 at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Nicknamed "Marshmallow," Arav is the son of Ashok and Shilpa Selvam, the brother of Avik Selvam, grandchild of Dr. Ashok and Neelam Gupta and Drs. Pannir and Leela Selvam, nephew of Varun Gupta and Anupama Selvam (Sedale Ziegler), and cousin of Ishani Araminta Selvam-Ziegler. Arav's legendary strength withstood an onslaught of challenges as he fought with a reckless zeal that made him a favorite among nurses at Prentice and Lurie's NICUs. Arav arrived early, born on August 12, 2025 at Prentice Women's Hospital — just like his Appa. The Chicago native loved his mother's snuggles. He would wiggle his feet when his Anna approached his bed. He perked up while listening to his dad's deep voice read comic books, heroically imagining himself embarking on adventures outside the hospital's four walls as a super-powered member of the X-Men or Avengers. Arav, whose name means "peace," is survived by a loving legion of uncles and aunties, and their children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BPD Collaborative in Arav's name.
https://thebpdcollaborative.org/