Why Bharat Patel Chose Shriners Children's to Give Back

Why? It’s the shortest question, but it sparks the deepest reflection. Why do you help others? Why is generosity important to you? Bharat Patel, M.D., gives us his "why" for donating to Shriners Children's.

“I’ve left all my investments, assets and entire residential estate to Shriners Children’s in my will,” said Dr. Patel of Mooresburg, Tennessee. “It’s what my wife, Lorene, would have wanted. She passed away in 2021. I am doing this in her memory.”

Dr. Patel came to the United States in 1968 after years of surgical training and certification in England. Shortly after immigrating, he joined the U.S. Air Force. As a lieutenant colonel, he used his surgical skills in service of his new country.

“My father told me, ‘America is your adopted homeland now,’” Dr. Patel said. “It’s your duty.”

After his time in the Air Force, Dr. Patel and Lorene devoted their free time to traveling the world and volunteering.

“You learn so much about people and their needs when you visit other cultures,” Dr. Patel said. “It’s something we loved doing together.”

Today, Dr. Patel lives in a small farmhouse in eastern Tennessee, the home where he and Lorene settled many years ago. They used to volunteer regularly, often delivering meals to homebound residents, and Dr. Patel communicates often with the Shriners Children’s team about his wishes.

Recently, he made a major gift commitment to kick off the 100th anniversary of Shriners Children's Lexington. “Lorene loved the work Shriners Children’s is doing for kids,” Dr. Patel said.

A sense of duty, empathy for others and honoring a lifetime of memories. Sometimes “why” isn’t complicated at all. Sometimes, the answer is simply love.