Hoops for HD: Honoring Nilesh's Fight

Hoops for HD: Honoring Nilesh Patel's Legacy and Fighting Huntington's Disease

Welcome to our GoFundMe for Hoops for HD, a special event that began as a way to honor the memory of my beloved brother, Nilesh Patel. Through this basketball tournament, we aim to celebrate his life, bring our community together, and raise crucial funds and awareness for Huntington's Disease (HD).

Nilesh was an incredibly caring person who cherished every moment spent with his friends and family. He loved the simple joys of life — cheering on the Lakers, getting lost in the latest Bollywood movies, and often dreaming of his favorite actress, Madhuri Dixit. He had a zest for life that was truly infectious.

Nilesh's Battle with Huntington's Disease

Life took an unexpected turn when our family began noticing subtle changes in Nilesh's behavior. As things progressed, we knew we needed professional help. Over four challenging months, doctors conducted numerous tests before finally delivering a diagnosis we'd never heard before: Huntington's Disease. This devastating news came as a complete shock, as there was no known history of HD in our family. From that day forward, we knew life would change profoundly for all of us.

The years following his diagnosis were incredibly difficult, both physically and emotionally for Nilesh. Yet, through it all, he remained true to his character — strong, optimistic, and always concerned for the well-being of his family. His favorite phrase became "mind over matter," a testament to his incredible resilience.

We witnessed Nilesh's courageous fight as the disease slowly took away his abilities. He lost the freedom of driving, something he truly loved in his Mazda 6. Despite the immense challenges, his determination shone brightly. Our dad and uncle would drive him twice a week from Bakersfield to Santa Monica so he could finish college. After years of hard work and perseverance, he proudly graduated from the Art Institute with a Bachelor's in Graphic Design.

Over eight years, we watched as this vibrant young man gradually lost his physical and mental capabilities. He went from a slight change in gait to being unable to walk, unable to sit up straight, struggling to concentrate, and eventually losing the ability to perform daily functions, speak, and even eat. Writing became illegible, and the simplest tasks became monumental challenges.

Nilesh bravely fought until August 29, 2012, when he ultimately lost his battle with Huntington's Disease.

Our Mission: Turning Grief into Action

Hoops for HD is our way of keeping Nilesh's spirit alive and transforming our grief into a positive force. It's a day of community, bringing together Gujarati families from California and other states for a shared love of basketball and a common cause. Every shot made, every game played, honors Nilesh's memory and contributes to the fight against HD.

My personal commitment to this cause deepened significantly after Nilesh's passing. I started volunteering with the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) in 2012, helping to plan events and raise much-needed funds. My dedication grew, and I was honored to serve as the President of the HDSA Los Angeles Chapter Board from 2018 until 2024. During my time on the board, I worked tirelessly to support HDSA's mission, raise money, and provide vital educational events for local families affected by HD.

Your support for Hoops for HD will directly benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA). The HDSA is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington's Disease through research, advocacy, and support services. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a future free from this devastating disease.

To everyone who has donated in the past, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every contribution, no matter how small, has made a real difference and helped us move closer to our goals.

Please consider donating today. Your generosity not only helps us remember Nilesh but also provides hope to countless other families battling Huntington's Disease. You can also help by sharing our story with your friends, family, and social networks.

Thank you for being a part of Nilesh's legacy and for joining us in the fight against Huntington's Disease.