Bay Area Heart Transplant Survivor Launches Foundation on Valentine's Day

Megan Mehta, who received a life-saving heart transplant at age 12, is now giving back to other pediatric patients.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Megan Mehta, a Bay Area resident who received a heart transplant at age 12, is launching the 'Megan Mehta Family Foundation' on Valentine's Day. The foundation will collect financial and in-kind donations, such as art supplies and journals, to support other children undergoing treatment at Stanford Hospital and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland.

Why it matters

Mehta's story is an inspiring example of the power of organ donation and the resilience of young people facing serious health challenges. By starting her own foundation, she is paying forward the support that helped her through her own difficult medical journey.

The details

In February 2016, at the age of 12, Megan Mehta received a life-saving heart transplant. Since then, she has graduated from high school, earned two degrees from UC Berkeley, and traveled the world. Grateful for the gift of life, Mehta is now launching the 'Megan Mehta Family Foundation' to collect donations of art supplies, journals, and other items that provided her comfort and inspiration during her hospital stays.

  • Megan Mehta received her heart transplant on February 24, 2016.
  • Mehta is launching her new foundation on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.

The players

Megan Mehta

A Bay Area resident who received a life-saving heart transplant at age 12 and is now launching a foundation to support other pediatric patients.

Stanford Hospital

One of the hospitals where the Megan Mehta Family Foundation will be donating supplies to support pediatric patients.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland

One of the hospitals where the Megan Mehta Family Foundation will be donating supplies to support pediatric patients.

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What they’re saying

“I was fortunate enough to receive the gift of life in February 2016.”

— Megan Mehta (nbcbayarea.com)

“Providing all of these donations, these items, to these children, is going to be very essential for their recovery and for their emotional well-being, during this difficult time for them.”

— Megan Mehta (nbcbayarea.com)

What’s next

Mehta plans to hold donation drives year-round to collect supplies for the pediatric patients at Stanford Hospital and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.

The takeaway

Megan Mehta's inspiring story and the launch of her new foundation on Valentine's Day demonstrate the power of organ donation and the resilience of young people facing serious health challenges. Her efforts to support other pediatric patients through donations of comfort items will make a meaningful difference in their lives.