Advocating & Supporting Differently Abled Individuals – “Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Scleroderma”
Our Bureau
Bethpage, NY
Gift of Life USA, is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, founded by President & Founder Flora Parekh, Co-Founder Paresh Parekh and CFO Dr. Harshil Parekh, focused on generating efficient resources to support the physically and mentally challenged through fundraising, advocacy, and education. Co-hosted by Kalpana Patel of UCI and emceed by Dr. Harshil Parekh, the organization celebrated its 11th Annual Gala – this past weekend at an evening filled with inspiring speakers and several opportunities to make a difference in our community, celebrating 11 years of dedicated service to the special needs community. Keynote Speaker Dr. Shashi Patel shared his powerful and inspiring vision reflecting his journey with his very special son Sameer Patel and wife Dr. Usha Patel. Board member Shashi Malik, Sheetal & Jasmin Pathak, Kamlesh & Mrudula Parekh, Asha Shah and Darshna and Chetan Mehta along with volunteers were instrumental at the registration and welcome desk.
Under Flora’s leadership, Gift of Life USA holds an Annual Gala where they highlight differently abled individual talents, demonstrating the appreciation of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. The Gala provides a safe space for those with physical and mental challenges to bring awareness and express themselves as equals in society. Flora’s work with Gift of Life USA has not only elevated the voices of all, regardless of ability, but has furthered the accessibility of resources and opportunities for everyone.
Every year, the Gala witnesses the inspiring journey of several disorders, advocating and raising awareness of various disorders and inspiring individuals living with the disorders. This year the organization advocated and supported inspiring individuals living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Scleroderma.
The Gala event, orchestrated by the organization, was proof of innovative spirit and dedication to making a meaningful difference and was evident of compassion, empathy, and tireless dedication to the noble cause. In a landscape often marked by monotonous programs, the ability of Gift of Life USA to infuse creativity and uniqueness into the Gala was duly complimented and attended by community leaders, over 30 Organization Presidents .and several distinguished doctors.
Apart from combating social stigma by raising awareness about different disorders, the true strength of Gift of Life USA lies in the funding and support it gives to individuals with these various physical and mental disorders.
Over the years, the Gala has visualized the incredible talent of several differently abled individuals with Parkinson’s, OCD, Autism, Down-syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Asperger’s, Epilepsy, Visually Impaired Conditions, Physically Disabled /Challenged, Amputees, Dyspraxia Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, & many more. to help them achieve higher independence, self-sufficiency, and community inclusion. This year we heard inspiring speakers Tiffany living with PTSD, BPD and Evamarie Gilbes-Cole living with Scleroderma for over 16 years, Keynote Speaker Dr. Shashi Patel, Dr. Vikas Malik (Psychiatrist) and Dr. Nilesh Soni enjoyed a classical masterpieceKathak Performance and enjoyed a mesmerizing show by Guiness World Record Holder mentalist and magician Ivan Michael. Several prizes and gift baskets were raffled by Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan. Sumptuous appetizers, dinner and desserts brough smiles on faces.
The Gala recognized their committed and dedicated donors – Dr. Shashi Patel, Dr. Ravi Bhooplapur, ASK Foundation, Kalpana Patel (UCI), Sunil Hali (Media), Kanak & Prabha Golia (Perfume Center of America), Darshana & Chetan Mehta, Sheetal Pathak, Mayur Dalal and Vass Pipe (Sunil and Anil Jain). The event was graced by several distinguished Organization Presidents and Community leaders –Dr. Bhupi Patel, Devang Patel, Shudh Jasuja, Mukund Mehta, Dr. Purvi Dixit, Haridas Kotahwala, Vinod Shah, Kanti Vadsola, Dr. Harshad Bhatt, Drs. Shyam and Maya Rao, Dr. Tazeem Beg, Lions President Howard Mazer, Kidney donor Kevin Harrison, Abbas Fazal, Rupa Doshi, Rajesh Patel , Dr. Mahendra and Chhaya Patel (Friends of ARCH), Indu Jaiswal, Jyoti Gupta, Bhadresh Acharya, and many more.
Our heartfelt Thank you to all our Committee Members, Performers, Donors, Supporters, Volunteers, and well-wishers for their continued support over years. The team’s vision and efforts were a remarkable step forward towards changing lives and making our world a better place.
Our heartfelt Thank you to all for being part of our incredible journey, supporting our various programs and activities, not limited to, “Save a Child” Support, “We are Special” Talent & Skill Recognition, “Health & Education,” “Awareness”, “College Scholarships for Differently-Abled” and “Service Dog Support Program”. The organization awards Scholarships to Autistic College students, promote and highlight talent of the differently abled, help special needs community with health and education needs and much more.
Gift of Life USA appeals to donors to come, see, believe, and support these true abilities and beyond share the organization’s vision of acceptance and compassion of the differently abled. Please visit our website at www.giftoflifeus.org for additional information and ways to support.
