Service Spotlight: Leukemia Together

Welcome to another edition of #ServiceSpotlight with The Smile Project where we share incredible stories of people doing incredible things in their communities. This week, we are thrilled to share the story of Simran Patel, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Leukemia Together, a New Jersey based nonprofit. 

Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give us a Happiness!

Simran: Happiness is being the steady backbone of support when life feels fragile.

Liz: What is your project/organization?

Simran: Leukemia Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with leukemia and the families who stand beside them. We serve as a constant source of compassion, guidance, and community, ensuring that no patient or caregiver has to navigate the leukemia journey alone. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, we provide emotional support, trusted resources, and advocacy tailored to the real-life needs of those affected. Through education, outreach, and direct support initiatives, we strive to bring hope, strength, and connection to families when they need it most.

Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?

Simran: I founded Leukemia Together at the age of 14 in honor of my late grandfather, Ashwin Kumar Patel. My grandfather had lived in the United States but decided to return to his hometown in India for a brief one-month visit. About a week after he came home, he developed a harsh cough. True to his nature as the hardest-working and most selfless person I knew, he insisted it was just a minor cold. I knew in my heart that something wasn’t right. When the cough persisted, my parents took him to the hospital. Within five days, my worst nightmare became reality, and he was diagnosed with Stage 4 leukemia. I remember spending countless hours desperately scouring the internet, trying to understand his diagnosis, hoping for answers as tears filled my eyes. Just a week later, on Christmas Day, my grandfather lost his battle to cancer. That holiday, and many that followed, never felt the same. 

Growing up without my best friend was something I struggled deeply to navigate, as did my entire family. For years, celebrating Christmas meant honoring his memory and learning how to live with grief at such a young age. As a young girl, I didn’t yet have the words for what I was feeling, but I knew I wanted to turn that pain into purpose. As soon as I entered high school, I began volunteering. My family has always believed strongly in giving back and supporting those in need, and that pushed me to reflect on how I could make a difference of my own. 

This reflection led me to create Leukemia Together—an organization built to be the support system I wished my family had during our hardest moments. Since its founding, Leukemia Together has grown to reach more than 20 countries, with over 30 chapters and more than 1.4 million impressions across social media platforms. Looking back, the younger version of myself would be so incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made. This mission is the driving force behind everything I do. At its core, Leukemia Together exists to bring comfort, connection, and hope. Making even one person smile is my happiness, drive, and motivation

Liz: What does service mean to you?

Simran: Service means using my time and heart to give back to those in times when life feels overwhelming. Service is showing up and lending a hand in times of need. No matter how big or small the task or action is, it can speak volumes. To me, service is not just what I do or what I volunteer for; it is a part of who I am. I want the world to feel seen, loved, and supported through every stage of life.

Liz: How can people get involved?

Simran: Be sure to follow us on Instagram @leukemiatogether. If you’d like to learn more about sponsorships, partnerships, or getting more involved, please email, leukemia.together@gmail.com.

Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?

Simran: I encourage everyone and anyone to participate in community service, it is truly one of a kind. 

And finally, do you have a favorite quote to leave us with?

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

 – Mahatma Gandhi