I vibe coded an AI tool to help my mom fight stage 4 cancer. It helped us catch errors in her treatment and let her die with dignity.

In a remarkable story of resilience and innovation, Pratik Desai, a 34-year-old resident of New Jersey, turned to artificial intelligence to assist his mother in her battle against stage 4 duodenal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosed unexpectedly after a Diwali celebration, Desai found himself thrust into the role of caregiver without prior experience, but with determination and tech-savvy insights. With a professional background that spans healthcare technology and consulting, Desai leveraged his skills to create an AI tool to better understand his mother's condition and facilitate more effective communication with her medical team. The journey began when he noticed that the doctors were not prioritizing his mother's needs and were seemingly resigned to a grim prognosis. Motivated to take control, he sought to educate himself on the disease using AI resources. Desai’s tool helped him analyze every detail of his mother's treatment, including critical medical reports that revealed misdiagnoses. Throughout her 76-day hospital stay, AI provided much-needed guidance, enabling him to ask informed questions and advocate for her care. The tool synthesized medical data and offered insights that were crucial during appointments, ensuring Desai was prepared to discuss treatment options and advocate for timely interventions. His approach proved lifesaving on several occasions. For instance, AI helped him identify complications that could have gone unnoticed, such as the onset of a pulmonary embolism, which prompted immediate medical attention. Furthermore, it revealed patterns in her treatment that could lead to severe complications, allowing Desai to intervene proactively. Despite the challenges of navigating a complex healthcare system, Desai's story underscores the potential of AI in patient advocacy. He believes that while AI is not infallible, it can significantly enhance the way patients and caregivers engage with medical professionals. His experience not only empowered him to support his mother during her final days but also inspired him to share his workflow with others facing similar situations, highlighting the importance of technology in modern healthcare. Desai’s journey illustrates a profound truth: with the right tools and determination, families can take an active role in their loved one's care, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs met in the face of daunting circumstances.