Megan Mehta
When Megan Mehta ’25 (Data Science, B.A. + Society & Environment, B.S.) was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure in 2015, at the age of 12, she found solace in the creative world. Art supplies, journals, and coloring books became her source of comfort to endure long hospitalizations, complex and painful medical procedures, and an uncertain future. When she received a life-saving heart transplant in 2016, she promised to give back to other children that are in her shoes.
To celebrate her 10 year heart transplant anniversary, Megan created the Megan Mehta Family Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to hospitalized children undergoing long-term in-patient medical treatment by donating toys, books, journals, markers, art pads, socks, and other items. “It’s such an honor and delight to be able to support other children that are navigating such challenging circumstances,” Megan explains. NBC Bay Area and local newspapers featured her story and the launch of her initiative on Valentine’s Day 2026.
Within the first 6 months, Megan’s foundation donated 17,000+ items, valued at ~$250,000, to both the Oakland and San Francisco campuses of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, as well as the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, which serves a combined 60,000+ pediatric patients per year. “Helping these kids utilize an artistic outlet to process their emotions, maintain mental health, and have something outside of their medical world is truly transformative,” she elaborates. “Having an uplifted spirit, motivation and excitement about the future, is half of the equation for medical recovery.”
Later this year, Megan plans to expand the nonprofit’s reach to support UC Davis Children’s Hospital, UC San Diego Rady’s Children’s Hospital, and UCLA Children’s Hospital to serve an additional 65,000 hospitalized children per year. “100 percent of donations—in-kind items and financial contributions—go towards supporting our mission,” Megan clarifies.
To learn more and support the Megan Mehta Family Foundation, visit meganmehtafamilyfoundation.org and follow them on Instagram @meganmehtafamilyfoundation for updates.
