Dr. Simon Khagi has many titles. At the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, he was an Assistant Professor in Medicine and Neurosurgery, Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program, and Director of the Brain Metastases Program at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is currently Medical Director for Manchester/Nashua/Concord, Associate Oncology Service Line Director for Southern New Hampshire, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

While Dr. Simon Khagi holds various professional titles, we believe ‘Healthcare Hero’ best represents his role in caring for our family. In April of 2019, when our loved one, Thomas DeMarse, was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a high-grade glioma, Dr. Khagi’s team sent a biopsy specimen for genetic testing, and swiftly implemented a treatment plan. When Tom suffered complications, Dr. Khagi quickly assessed the situation and saw him through inpatient treatment and rehabilitation. Follow-up visits were caring, informative, and patient-centered, because Dr. Khagi genuinely cared about Tom’s life, his quality of life, and that of our family.

As a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, Tom watched Dr. Khagi present research rounds in the Fall of 2020 and understood that he had surpassed his projected prognosis. Tom noted how Dr. Khagi continues to hone his expertise as he pursues an MBA at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Following recurrence, and the end of Tom’s position at UNC, Dr. Khagi was committed to ensuring Tom was able to undergo life-saving surgery and support during the pandemic. When Tom was admitted to hospital with complications after moving to Pensacola, Florida, Dr. Khagi sent Tom’s progress notes to facilitate his care. He continued to follow Tom and helped me navigate many challenges to see Tom through end-stage glioma in July of 2021. Not only did Dr. Khagi provide compassionate care for Tom, he extended extraordinary care and concern for Lauryn and I when we needed it most.

Our family encountered many on this journey through glioma. While Dr. Khagi is knowledgeable, understanding, compassionate, and highly skilled in his expertise, he is by far an exceptional human being, steadfast in advocating and ensuring the best for his patients and their families, because everyone matters. Our family will always cherish the gift of time together. We thank Dr. Khagi for the exceptional care Tom received, and for his dedication to being there for each of us. Not all heroes wear capes, some don white coats.

~In faith, honour and gratitude,
Lynda, Lauryn, and Thomas DeMarse