From DIPG to all pediatric cancers — we fund research, support families, and advocate until every child has a fighting chance.
Every dollar we raise, every family we support, and every research grant we fund moves us closer to defeating DIPG and all forms of childhood cancer.
We fund breakthrough research at leading institutions, supporting scientists who refuse to give up on finding cures for DIPG, pediatric brain tumors, and all forms of childhood cancer.
Learn more →A childhood cancer diagnosis devastates families emotionally and financially. Our aid fund provides direct assistance — covering travel, lodging, and everyday expenses.
Apply for help →We fight for more federal funding for pediatric cancer research and push for policy changes that give families facing DIPG and all childhood cancers access to clinical trials.
Our programs →Neev Kolte was a four-year-old Pleasanton boy full of life — he loved animals, especially hummingbirds. He even named one that visited his backyard "Cutiepie Grapes." He loved growing vegetables in the garden and spending time with his family and older brother Rayaan.
In August 2020, Neev was diagnosed with DIPG. For more than a year, his family fought alongside him. Neev passed on November 30, 2021, at the age of six. His memory is the reason this foundation exists — and his spirit drives every grant we fund, every family we support, and every law we help pass.
Join us throughout September as we work with Bay Area communities to raise awareness, honor DIPG families, and advocate for more research funding. We've secured proclamations from 33+ cities.
$25/month funds one research sample analysis
$50/month supports a family's travel to treatment
$100/month contributes to a research grant
$500 names a grant in a child's memory
Get research breakthroughs, family stories, and event updates delivered to your inbox.
Misha Mehta and Sandeep Kolte lost their son Neev to DIPG on November 30, 2021. From grief, they built a movement.
Neev Kolte was four years old and attending preschool in Pleasanton when, in August 2020, his parents noticed his eyes were red — his mom thought all he needed were glasses. At urgent care, they received the devastating diagnosis: DIPG. Over the course of fifteen months, Neev participated in four phase 1 clinical trials. He learned to walk four times. When a treatment caused his right hand to stop working, he taught himself to write and draw with his left. Through it all, Misha and Sandeep sat beside him through every treatment, every setback, and every fleeting moment of joy. Neev passed on November 30, 2021, one month after his sixth birthday.
The Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation was created in October 2022, earning its 501(c)(3) status in April 2023. Since then, it has awarded a $100,000 research grant to UCSF, helped advocate for AB 703 into California law, and mobilized communities across the state to fight for pediatric cancer funding.
"The only way I can justify living here without my son is by making sure that his story is remembered, his name is remembered and no other kids or families have to go through what we went through."
— Misha Mehta, President & Co-FounderDiffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive brain tumor arising in the brainstem, primarily affecting children between ages 5 and 10.
It is inoperable due to its location in the pons — the part of the brain that controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate.
Former researcher at Roche Molecular Systems with 15+ years in microbiology, molecular biology, and pharmaceuticals. Neev's mother. Leads research partnerships, clinical trial advocacy, and legislative efforts — including speaking before the U.S. Congress and at the White House Cancer Moonshot Brain Cancer Forum.
Technology executive and CTO at SIMS Software. Neev's father. Leads the foundation's fundraising strategy, corporate partnerships, and community outreach — including the annual BORN Gala.
Neev's older brother. Rayaan organized his first toy drive for the hospital where Neev was treated, sparking the family's philanthropic mission. He continues to be an active youth advocate for pediatric cancer awareness and helped champion AB 703 in California.
Four-year-old Neev Kolte, attending preschool in Pleasanton, is diagnosed with DIPG. He had been riding his scooter that morning. His eyes were red — his mom had thought all he needed were glasses.
Neev passes on November 30, 2021, at the age of six. His family vows to honor his memory by fighting for every child who comes after him. His brother Rayaan organizes a toy drive for the hospital where Neev was treated.
Sandeep Kolte and Misha Mehta formally create the Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation in Pleasanton, CA, partnering with the Mehta family, who lost their son Ronil to DIPG in 2018.
The foundation earns its official nonprofit status and hosts its inaugural BORN (Because Of Ronil and Neev) Gala, raising $100,000 for DIPG research.
A $100,000 grant is awarded to Dr. Sabine Mueller and Dr. Sebastian Waszak at UCSF — the same doctor who treated Neev — to fund groundbreaking cell-free DNA whole-genome sequencing research for DIPG clinical trials.
Local high school students, inspired by the foundation, successfully lobby 33+ Bay Area cities to declare September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Misha Mehta is invited to the White House Brain Cancer Forum as part of President Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative, advocating for increased federal funding for pediatric brain cancer research.
The foundation's advocacy efforts contribute to AB 703 being signed into law in California, expanding protections and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and families.
Every dollar goes to research, family support, or advocacy. No child should face cancer without hope.
Here's exactly where every dollar goes:
$25 funds one research sample — $50 covers a family's travel day — $100 contributes to a research grant — $500 names a grant in a child's memory
We accept all major payment options through PayPal's secure platform:
All transactions are encrypted and processed by PayPal. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit — your donation is fully tax-deductible. EIN: 88-4163158.
Many employers match charitable donations — double your impact by checking if yours does.
Learn about matching →"I filled out the form on a Tuesday. By Friday, the Foundation had covered our hotel."
— Ana, mother of Rodrigo, age 7From research grants to family aid, our programs address every dimension of the childhood cancer crisis.
We award annual grants to research teams studying DIPG, pediatric brain tumors, and all childhood cancers — including drug discovery, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Grant amounts range from $25,000 to $200,000.
View funded research →Direct financial assistance to families — covering travel, lodging, lost wages, and home care costs during treatment. Average grant: $2,800.
Apply for aid →We work with Congress, the NIH, and pediatric cancer coalitions to increase childhood cancer research funding and expand access to clinical trials for all pediatric patients.
Get involved →School education programs, awareness campaigns, and community events that build public knowledge about DIPG and all forms of pediatric cancer.
Upcoming events →Connecting families facing DIPG and all childhood cancers with each other for emotional support, shared experience, and practical guidance through our moderated online community.
Join the network →Continuing medical education grants and symposia to train pediatric oncologists and general practitioners to recognize and respond to DIPG and other childhood cancers earlier.
Learn more →Open to academic researchers at accredited institutions. Submissions reviewed annually each March.
Open to any family with a child diagnosed with DIPG, a pediatric brain tumor, or any childhood cancer in active treatment.
Partner with us to bring childhood cancer awareness events to your school, business, or community organization.
Every family carries a story of courage, love, and hope. These are their voices.
Your family's journey can give others hope and show them they are not alone.
From galas to walks to research symposia — there's a place for you in this fight.
Our flagship fundraising gala celebrating the lives of Neev and Ronil and raising critical funds for DIPG research. Featuring dinner, live auction, keynote speakers, and a tribute to all children fighting DIPG. Past galas have raised $100,000+ for research at UCSF.
Every September, we work with local communities, schools, and city councils to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. We've already secured proclamations from 33+ Bay Area cities. Join us in expanding that reach.
Inspired by Rayaan Kolte, who organized a toy drive for kids at the hospital while his brother Neev was being treated, this annual drive collects toys and gifts for children fighting cancer during the holiday season.
Birthday fundraisers, memorial runs, bake sales — we'll support any community event that raises awareness or funds for DIPG research.
Join hundreds of volunteers who give their skills, energy, and hearts to the fight against DIPG.
Help us run galas, walks, and community events. Roles include registration, setup, guest services, and photography.
Create and run your own fundraising campaign — birthday fundraisers, peer-to-peer pages, or community drives.
Contact your representatives, attend lobby days, and amplify our voice in the fight for more DIPG research funding.
Are you a lawyer, accountant, designer, developer, or marketer? Pro-bono skilled volunteers help us run more efficiently.
Trained volunteers who provide companionship, practical help, and guidance to newly diagnosed DIPG families.
"Volunteering with the Neev Kolte Foundation gave me a way to channel my grief into something meaningful. Every event, every donation, every proclamation — it all adds up."
— Community Volunteer, Pleasanton"Watching Rayaan lead a toy drive at such a young age showed me that everyone — no matter their age — can make a difference in this fight."
— Volunteer, Bay AreaWe fund the researchers who refuse to stop looking for answers. Here's what we've achieved together.
Groundbreaking research on cell-free DNA whole-genome sequencing for ongoing Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium clinical trials. This research aims to measure residual disease and antitumor response in DIPG clinical trials — enabling a novel, noninvasive way to assess treatment response. Dr. Mueller also treated Neev Kolte.
Supporting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's clinical trial investigating whether PET imaging can improve diagnosis and monitoring of DIPG tumors, advancing noninvasive assessment tools for pediatric patients.
Download our full impact report with detailed financials, grant outcomes, and family testimonials.
Stay informed on childhood cancer breakthroughs, foundation updates, and advocacy wins.
The Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to Dr. Sabine Mueller and Dr. Sebastian Waszak at UCSF to advance cell-free DNA whole-genome sequencing research — a novel, noninvasive way to assess treatment response in DIPG clinical trials. Dr. Mueller also treated Neev Kolte.
High school students inspired by Rayaan Kolte and Sahil Mehta successfully lobbied 33+ Bay Area cities to declare September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — bringing national attention to the urgent need for pediatric cancer research funding.
TIME Magazine's feature on pediatric brain cancer advocacy highlights Misha and Sandeep's decade-long fight and the Foundation's growing influence in Washington.
The inaugural BORN Gala raised $100,000 for DIPG research at UCSF, funding Dr. Sabine Mueller's groundbreaking cell-free DNA whole-genome sequencing study for ongoing clinical trials. Join us for the next BORN Gala in 2025.
After sustained advocacy from foundation founders, Rayaan Kolte, Sahil Mehta, and a coalition of youth advocates and community members, AB 703 was signed into law in California — a major victory for pediatric cancer families statewide.
Foundation President Misha Mehta was invited to the White House Brain Cancer Forum as part of President Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative, advocating directly for increased federal research funding for pediatric brain tumors including DIPG.
Whether you're a family seeking help, a researcher interested in a grant, or a supporter wanting to learn more — reach out.
Pleasanton, CA 94588
General: (510) 552-3888
Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM PST
neevronil.org
Reach us through the contact form on this page or visit our website for the latest updates.
Available Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM PST. For urgent family support needs, our helpline is available 24/7.
Our Family Aid Fund provides direct financial assistance to families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.
You'll receive a confirmation email immediately. A family support coordinator will contact you within 48 hours.
Typical review: 3–5 business days
First disbursement: within 10 days of approval.
Most families receive multiple grants over the course of treatment.
"I filled out the form on a Tuesday. By Friday, the Foundation had covered our hotel. I don't know what we would have done without them."
— Ana, mother of Rodrigo, 7Join leading companies who are investing in childhood cancer research and giving their teams a reason to give back.
Our partnerships team will create a custom proposal aligned with your company's CSR goals, employee engagement priorities, and marketing objectives.
Contact: [email protected]
Events, advocacy, research, and community moments from 2025.