Paper Flowers

Based on a true story, USC alumnus Shalin Shah steps away from the hopes of his Indian-American family and from his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. Yet a stubborn cough reveals a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, forcing Shalin to return home and confront a future he never imagined. Surrounded by his family, Fiona, and his closest friends, he reevaluates what it means to live with purpose when time can no longer be taken for granted. As his perspective deepens, his reflections on gratitude, love, and mortality give rise to the essay 'Thank You, Cancer,' published by HuffPost and which goes viral with readers around the world. A devastatingly beautiful story of family, resilience, and the lasting impact of one life, Paper Flowers is a reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments that give life meaning. #SunsetsForShalin