Karl dedicated his life to women's health, addressing health inequity around the world, reaching countless communities. Your donation will help sustain the vision he cared about most and directly support those affected by cancer via the Public Health Research Institute India (www.phrii.com).

In honor of Karl Krupp’s life and dedication, we invite you to contribute to a fund that will continue his work on cancer prevention and supporting care and treatment of cancer patients.

As Sahaya International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your donation is tax-deductible in the USA. Please note that as with any online donation platform, there are transaction fees, which we hope you can cover. The Givebutter platform also asks for an extra tip, but you are under no obligation to tip, and can set that to zero. If you like to avoid any transaction fees, you can also make a check, payable to "Sahaya International", with note "Karl Krupp" to Sahaya International, 1504 Portola Street, Davis, CA 95616. Please include your e-mail address so we can e-mail you a tax receipt.

Thank you for helping carry his vision forward.

Purnima and Paavlena

Karl’s obituary

A Life Lived with Purpose and Love: Remembering Dr. Karl Krupp

June 12, 1955 – July 10, 2025

Karl Krupp — a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son and brother, insightful mentor, dedicated teacher, brilliant scientist, and loyal friend — passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, just weeks after his 70^th birthday. He faced an incredibly courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a devastating brain cancer that ultimately claimed his life.

Diagnosed in August 2024, the disease progressed with swiftness, relentlessly stripping away his abilities. From the earliest symptoms, it slowly eroded his capacity to communicate, to remember, and to perform daily activities, leaving him incapacitated. It was heartbreaking to witness the vibrant, brilliant, and deeply loving man we knew gradually erased. Yet, through it all, what remained — always — was his indomitable spirit and boundless love.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 12, 1955, Karl's life was a masterclass in living with purpose, radiating warmth, and achieving quiet brilliance. His path was anything but linear, showcasing an extraordinary commitment to making a difference wherever he went. He started by owning a music store, then fiercely advocated for environmental justice, successfully leading efforts to shut down a power plant in the Bay Area that was causing asthma in children. Later in life, in a testament to his lifelong dedication to learning and service, he earned his Ph.D. at 64, turning his formidable intellect to global health. He became a highly respected scientist and researcher, whose groundbreaking work developed diagnostics crucial for cancer care and treatment, women's health, and global health. Karl's passion for health equity wasn't just a concept; it was the bedrock upon which he along with his wife, established the Public Health Research Institute of India. Through this charitable trust, he ensured compassionate, non-judgmental healthcare reached women and children in remote communities, profoundly impacting over 100,000 lives across more than 250 Indian villages. As he often said with humble conviction, his mission was clear: "I just want to ensure all women receive healthcare with dignity and respect."

Beyond his remarkable scholarly achievements, Karl was known for his easygoing charm, a wonderfully dry sense of humour that could lighten the heaviest moments, and his deep appreciation for life's simple joys. He was an avid traveller, curious about every culture, a talented poet and writer, and a lover of diverse global cuisines. He possessed a rare ability to make others laugh, even when spirits were low on the hardest days. Above all, he was tender and endlessly devoted father, cherishing his children more than anything. He thoughtfully raised his daughter, Paavlena, with a loving hand, empowering her to live a full life, uncompromised life, always encouraging her to reach for her highest aspirations.

At the heart of Karl’s world was his unwavering devotion to his wife, Purnima Madhivanan. Their partnership was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of unwavering support, shared adventures and laughter, mutual purpose, and an enduring love. Their unique connection allowed them to uplift and challenge each other, creating not only a deeply personal bond but also a remarkably successful professional collaboration.

Though the insidious cancer tragically took so much, it could never steal Karl's essence. His boundless kindness, his incisive brilliance, and his enduring love will live on — in the countless lives he touched, in the communities he fought so tirelessly to uplift, and in the hearts of the family who will forever carry his light forward.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Purnima; his cherished children, Paavlena, Aaron, and Jason. He also leaves behind his loving mother, Elizabeth; his siblings, Mark, Ken, Therese, Mary-Jo, Keith, Elaine, Matt, Caroline, Jacqueline, and Devanshi; a vast network of extended family; dedicated colleagues; grateful students; and countless friends around the world.

He will be deeply missed, fiercely loved, and forever remembered.

Support cancer patients in honor of Karl Krupp

By Sahaya International Inc

Support cancer patients in honor of Karl Krupp

Team Members