The #NEILSTRONG Ripple Effect In Action
Make an Impact.
Be a Ripple.
The Strength Behind NEILSTRONG
Credit: WFMZ Channel 69 Story Found Here
In March of 2021, Neil was exposed to COVID-19. Just 20 years old, he had not yet been eligible for the vaccine even though he juggled multiple jobs which increased his risk of exposure despite adhering to safety measures. While he tested negative, he informed his family he would quarantine responsibly. On March 26th his symptoms set in. He was turned away from the ER on April 3rd, dismissed due to his age. Less than 36 hours later, he was back in the ER with critically low levels of oxygen and unable to breathe. By April 8th, he was on a ventilator and transferred to Penn Presbyterian where he was placed on ECMO and battled COVID-19 for 115 days until his tragic passing on August 1st, 2021. Neil had already built an exceptional legacy for himself as an outstanding community member, Upper Merion Class President of 2019, a Penn Shreyers Honors College student, a Sapphire Business Leader, a dedicated musician, baseball catcher and performing artist. Most of all, his family and friends remember him as someone who lived with joy and sought to bring out the radiance of others. He has been described by teachers as a once in a generation individual and his legacy continues here at NEILSTRONG where our mission is to further the work he was most passionate about. The impact he made in his short but meaningful life was immeasurable. Now the positive ripples he cast continue as we build a community of positive action dedicated to furthering the projects, people and passions he cared most about.
The NEILSTRONG Foundation
At NEILSTRONG we are committed to furthering, fueling and funding projects that Neil C. Patel was passionate about. Neil was able to excel in multiple areas of life because he had a foundation of 4 pillars - Family, Education, Community & Opportunity. Through our programs, we aim to create the same opportunities for others. Our program are organized in the below areas.
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NEILSTRONG Network
The NEILSTRONG Network partners with select organizations that foster a community of postive action through raising funds for those in need and other commumity related causes.
A recent parternships includes launching a Music Therapy Program for individuals with special needs with Love Works
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NEILSTRONG Giving Fund
The Giving Fund allows organizations and individuals to request financial support for projects related to the arts, athletics and other social causes.
A recent example would be $1,000 grant to UMAHS Underground Players in support of community theater.
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NEILSTRONG Catalyst Scholarships
At NEILSTRONG we believe in supporting education as a way to expand minds and open doors to opportunity and experiences for individuals that are positive catalyst in their community.
A recent KPVFCC Neil C. Patel Memorial scholarship was established for Upper Merion High School graduates and will be awarded to an exceptional candidate in 2022.
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NEILSTRONG Every Drop Counts
NEILSTRONG is commited to driving awareness around the importance of blood donation especially with younger individuals.
Neil needed hundreds of blood products as he fought a 4 month battle with COVID-19.
Recently, we partnered with Red Cross and Penn State for a donor drive on September 21, 2021 that secured 82 blood products. Another cross country drive is planned for November 16, 2021.
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Be A Knight Leadership & Civics Mentoring
NEILSTRONG believes people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. NEILSTRONG volunteers will mentor young individuals to help them gain the knowledge, confidence and skills that can help realize their own capabilities to lift them to higher achievement.
Mentorship programs are currently in development with launch planned in 2022.
Ripples of NEILSTRONG Foundation In Action
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Neil C Patel Music Therapy Program
Neil was a dedicated musician and a beloved member of the Upper Merion Community. A trained musician that played multiple instruments, he also loved working with children with special needs. A Music Therapy program has been established in partnership with Love Works for youth and families that require therapy but may not be able to afford it or otherwise have access. Learn more by watching the video here.
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Be A Knight Scholarship Program
The Neil C. Patel Be-A-Knight Scholarship program has been established in honor of Neil who summarized his world view in a moving piece called "This I Believe" available here for listening. This award serves as a tribute to those ideals and seeks out young leaders that embody the attributes of a modern knight. This award is given to a young man or woman that excels in academics, sports or music and is an outstanding member of the community.
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B Positive Blood Donation Awareness
Neil's blood type was B Positive, something he fiercely embodied in his life and his battle with COVID-19. He required many transfusions, plasma and platelets which were donated by the generosity of others. NEILSTRONG supports blood drives especially amongst the youth, with over 500 donations secured in the last year and 1500 lives positively impacted.
Neil’s Battle Unites a Community
As Neil battled COVID-19 for 4 months, an entire community united to support him and his family. The community made signs, lit candles, sent prayers and positive vibes, made dinners, gave rides to hospital, donated blood and plasma, raised money for care, decorated his hospital room, wrote hundreds of cards, honored him at sporting events and so much more...His fight became a unifying endeavor where Neil became everyone's son, brother and best friend…and from there was born NEILSTRONG.
"Our community brings a sense of family that from what I can understand, is not as apparent in other schools and communities. We are able to come together better and be like a family to better our own community."”
— Neil C. Patel, Induction Ceremony, National Honors Society
Be a Ripple. Become a part of the NEILSTRONG Network…Volunteer Today!
We are looking for volunteers of all kinds! Graphic artists, techies, voluteers that can manage events from start to finish, marketing and social support, fundraising advocates and legal support. Teachers, leaders and other community influencers also encouraged to get intouch so we can work together to build a Community of Positive Action …TOGETHER.