Our Story

"The idea is that if more people in the community have this kind of connection, that will foster those kinds of relationships and lead to healthier and happier communities."

When Founder Neeja Patel was just ten years old, she lost someone very near and dear to her: her grandfather. Heart disease and other issues led to kidney failure, which ultimately led to his death. Patel had to deal with a history of heart disease in her family. This meant that she and her family had a higher chance of heart disease, cardiovascular issues and a slew of other diagnoses.

She didn't want anyone to have to deal with the same pain, and knew that she had to do something about it. She resolved that she was going to find out what had caused her grandfather to meet this fate and how she could help others avoid it.

So, she took a trip to South Carolina in the summer of 2013 to perform research with Carolina Cardiology Associates. What she found out was very surpising -- did you know that none of the US states has an obesity rate lower than 20%? -- and had to be shared. This research inspired her to go even further and start this project so that the rising obesity rates (and subsequent other risks) could be combatted.

Patel began to exercise and eat healthier along with her grandmother, who ended up losing 40 pounds. The two experienced a strengthened bond due to the challenges that they faced together. Realizing that having this type of support was beneficial to both her and her grandmother, Patel decided that the journey to a healthy lifestyle was one best completed in the companionship of another. She implemented this into her plan for a mentorship-based volunteer program that allows volunteers and other members of the community to work together to achieve their goals for a healthier future.

Eat Right, Be Bright, Live Active offers liaisons to the community who not only provide support but are physically involved in the process. When you exercise, so do they. These volunteers are trained and equipped with a step-by-step plan to allow the individual to reasonably meet their goals. Unlike other organizations that just tell you how to make changes, ERBBLA volunteers also get involved in leading healthier lifestyles -- we practice what we preach.

Stopping the problem before it starts is another facet of the organization. In order to do this, we actively provide guidance via presentations and workshops at local schools and organizations like the YMCA. These presentations provide younger Americans with the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

We hope that you will join us in our endeavors.