Patel Brothers Give Back With No Expectation In Return
By Maria Sonnenberg // November 26, 2013
2013 central florida humanitarians
Two examples of young humanitarians who are a credit to their family and to the Brevard County school system are Karan and Krunal Patel – sons of Dr. Sangiv Patel and his wife, Sangita.
Dr. Patel is a Melbourne, Florida dentist who is active in the charitable organization Ma Krupa, which he co-founded. The organization, named for a Hindu god of creation, focuses on indigent medical care in the United States and overseas.
Much of the Ma Krupa work is done in India, where Dr. Patel has sponsored medical camps to perform various surgeries. He calls his first camp, in 1998, a life-changing experience. His team and his sons have traveled far and wide and have seen as many as 600 patients in five days. “We saw the need and felt motivated to keep going,” he said.
MEDICAL MISSIONARIES, STUDENT LEADERS
Dr. Patel has every reason to be immensely proud of his two young sons. Karan Patel is a senior at West Shore Jr/Sr.High School and plans to attend Nova Southeastern University for the Dual Degree Dental Program.
“My parents have been the most influential people in my life. They have given me the support, and unconditional love that is needed to mature in ways that best prepare me for my future,” said Karan.
The younger brother Krunal also attends West Shore and has maintained a 4.0 GPA while at the school. Krunal aspires to become a cardiologist. “I would love to be able to save lives,” he said.
The Patel brothers have taken the initiative to create a math tutoring club at their school which has assisted more than 500 students improve their understanding of mathematics. Within two years they have logged more than 300 hours of tutoring to help other students.
Not only are the brothers exceptional students, but the boys have traveled with their parents on medical missions around the world to help people in need. The teens have also taken the initiative to create a math tutoring club at their school which has assisted more than 500 students improve their understanding of mathematics. Within two years the young Patel brothers have logged more than 300 hours of tutoring to help other students.
Karan Patel received the Brevard County Leadership Award and the Brevard County School’s Volunteer Leader Award for his charity work performed during their family’s medical mission in India and for his volunteer work here in Brevard. “I plan on becoming a dentist with a goal to make all people healthier. I want to carry on my father’s legacy as an exceptional and dedicated dentist to help others,” said Karan.
MOTIVATED TO INSPIRE OTHERS
To show how influential high school teachers can be, just listen to Karan Patel. Karan’s math and science teachers at West Shore also assisted him on deciding his career path.
“Mrs. Narvaez, my AP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Thomas, my math teacher for Algebra/Geometry and Mrs. Anderson have helped me by assuring me of my belief that I had a gift and enjoyment for these subjects. They have always complemented me and have always shown great confidence in my ability to answer any question and problems I had.”
The younger Krunal is also highly motivated and inspired to help others.
“From my volunteer work, I have learned how to act and have learned about the benefits of giving back with no expectation in return,” said Krunal. While some are vacationing over winter break, the brothers are volunteering at a medical camp in India.
“This work has taught me to be unselfish. I have realized that I should do whatever I can to assist others in achieving success.”
FLORIDA HEARTWORKS
Christina and her fellow members of the Melbourne-based team of eight medical professionals just got back from a medical mission trip to Lima. The team worked in coordination with the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) to provide cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology procedures to needy patients.
The team, self-dubbed “Florida HeartWorks,” in addition to Datta, consists of Respiratory Therapist Mary Lamontagne, Surgical nurse/first assistant Marie Bloch, ICU nurse Patti Carberry, Surgical perfusionist/ICU nurse Nichole Bernhardt, Anesthesiologist/ intensivist Dr. Mario Camps, Interventional cardiologist/Intensivist Dr. Cesar Jara and Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Michael Greene.
“In developing countries like Peru there are very few government programs available to assist the uninsured with heart disease,” said Datta.
“We can donate and provide lifesaving surgical services these Peruvian patients could never afford.”
GIVING PATIENTS HOPE
Christina also continues her work with Mended Hearts, and, after a stint as a stay-at-home mom, has returned to work, choosing a position in cardiac critical care at Holmes Regional Medical Center’s Heart Center.
“When I’m not working, I’ll go in to talk to the patients and give them hope,” she said.
ABOUT THE 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Florida Pain, Forever Florida, MPAC ACO, Brevard Geriatrics, Community Credit Union, Clear Choice Health Care, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, First Choice Medical Group, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, CentralFloridaMedicine.com and SpaceCoastDaily.com.
TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION for the Central Florida Humanitarians call 321-615-8111 or e-mail SpaceCoastDaily@gmail.com.
