My name is Prutha Patel, and I currently serve as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Children’s National Hospital, as well as a Tissue Navigator with the Gift From A Child (GFAC) program. I was raised in Hagerstown, Maryland, and went on to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where I earned my degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Physiology and Neurobiology in 2025.
Before stepping into my current roles, I was involved in research examining the impact of neighborhood violence on adolescents in Washington D.C.’s Wards 4 and 5. This experience deepened my commitment to understanding how environmental and social factors influence child health and development.
I was drawn to the GFAC program because of its thoughtful and compassionate approach to working with families: providing them with the opportunity to contribute to future discoveries while honoring the lives of their children. Tissue donation is a profoundly meaningful gift that advances scientific research in ways that can shape treatments and outcomes for generations to come. Being part of this process is both humbling and incredibly fulfilling. It also offers families a sense of continued purpose, allowing them to witness the enduring impact of their child’s generosity long after their journey has ended.