Our Mission
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Bring smiles, positive attitudes and the power of perseverance to children, especially those dealing with a life-altering illness.
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Promote cancer awareness through education about post-diagnosis as well as preventative measures.
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Support research that focuses on preventing and/or terminating childhood cancer.
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Provide service opportunities to help students get involved in our cause.
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Strengthen our community in coming together to support those in need.
Key accomplishments since establishing the OM Foundation:
1. Provide service opportunities to students; Strengthen Community:
Support those in need Provided $4000 in financial support to a local family by covering the cost of medical insurances for the three children of the family, who lost their mother to cancer and whose father has been in a coma.
Supported Monroe Township Library Funding by donating $5,000 to enhance children and tween area of the library. OM Foundation purchased a huge LEGO table for kids to enjoy (as OM did) as well as painted a window mural in the tween area showing a love of books and optimistic view that OM shared. The mural idea was envisioned and painted by OM’s sister.
“Optimistic OM” Mural at Monroe Township Middle School. A student project focusing on Positivity in Adversity was painted by students and signed by all of OM’s classmates.
2. Bring Smiles, Positive attitudes and the power of perseverance to children:
Awarded $1,000 to special needs gymnast to cover the cost of private coaching, classes, etc. She went on to win 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the U.S. Special Olympics
Established the OM Parikh Memorial Award for Optimism at Monroe Township Middle School. This financial award will be presented annually to an 8th grade student who meets the criteria that exudes a positive attitude on a daily basis, encourages others to be positive and optimistic, demonstrates an intrinsic desire to improve the world around him/her. He/She should be involved in organizations, clubs, or personal efforts to help others, be a role model to peers and has no disciplinary issues in middle school. The first award was given out in June 2018 to a rewarding student at the MTMS.
3. Promote Cancer Awareness:
Monroe Township Middle School donated $4,265 to Hugs For Brady Foundation in memory of OM Parikh. The Hugs for Brady Foundation is dedicated to helping children with childhood cancers
Supporting local cancer survivor at Mayor Tamburro's September 2018 Proclamation in her honor, as well as at her Lemonade Stand fundraiser
4. Support Research:
Met with Robert Wood Johnson Pediatric Department to discuss what research has been done and can be done in the future in pediatric cancer.