August Hope Hero

Our newest Hope Hero is spreading ripples of hope and lifting up others, despite having passed away one year ago on August 1, 2021, at the age of 20, after fighting a long and unfortunate battle against Covid-19. The impact Neil Patel made in his short but meaningful life was immeasurable. The NEILSTRONG Foundation has been established to keep Neil's memory, legacy, and ripples alive, and is building a community of positive action dedicated to furthering the projects, people, and passions Neil cared most about.

Neil was an outstanding community member, Upper Merion Class President of 2019, a Penn State Schreyer 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. ​The legacy Neil established in his short but meaningful life made a profound impact on the many that knew him and those that have come to know him through the foundation.

The NEILSTRONG Foundation, a 501(c)(3) approved charitable organization,​supports programs that give others the same opportunities that Neil had to excel in academics, athletics, leadership, performing arts as well as supporting community driven projects that raise money for the less fortunate and those suffering from illnesses.  "Neil remains at the heart of everything we do and also remains the heartbeat in us that gives us the courage to face each day," reflected his aunt and Foundation President, Nita Patel.

Neil was never interested in being a star, but rather more interested in lifting up those around him and helping them see the light within themselves. Although he is no longer here, his spirit lives on through his family and friends, and through NEILSTRONG. He continues to unite his community and his ripples will have an infinite effect as they continue to touch others.

Please consider helping to further the mission of the NEILSTRONG Foundation by visiting https://www.neilstrong.org/ to learn more and to donate today. You, too, can be a ripple.