The inspiration behind the Giving Hearts Foundation began with a deeply personal experience for Meher. From a young age, Meher was very close to her grandparents, finding comfort in their stories, wisdom, and unconditional love. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed a heartbreaking reality—her beloved grandmother was admitted to the ICU, fighting for her life. Due to strict hospital restrictions, her family was unable to visit, leaving her grandmother alone in a sterile, unfamiliar environment. Meanwhile, her grandfather, who had always been her grandmother’s pillar of support, was left at home feeling helpless, worried, and deeply lonely. Meher saw the sadness in his eyes, and it made her realize how isolating such experiences can be for seniors, especially those without strong social connections.

This pain resurfaced more recently when her grandfather was hospitalized with pneumonia. Once again, she saw the impact of isolation, as he spent days in the ICU without family by his side. The emotional toll of being alone during a critical illness was just as severe as the physical struggle. Despite medical care, his spirits dwindled, and the experience was made even more difficult without the comforting presence of loved ones. When he eventually passed away, Meher was heartbroken. She mourned not only his loss but also the loneliness that surrounded his final days. More than that, she couldn’t stop thinking about her grandmother—now left alone without her lifelong companion, facing the reality of life without him. The thought of her grandmother waking up every day in a quiet house, missing the warmth of his presence, solidified Meher’s determination to do something about senior loneliness.

Determined to take action, Meher founded the Giving Hearts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy, companionship, and warmth to elderly individuals who often feel forgotten. What started as a simple act—baking and delivering homemade treats to seniors—quickly grew into a broader mission to create meaningful connections. Meher realized that seniors don’t just need gifts; they need human interaction, love, and a sense of belonging. Inspired by this understanding, Giving Hearts Foundation is evolving into a multifaceted initiative that engages seniors through a variety of activities aimed at combating loneliness and fostering joy.