Leader of Tomorrow: Neeley Dopp named September Queen Creek Hometown Hero

By Terrance Thornton
Twitter: @ININEWSMAN

The worldview of a typical young adult, some parents might say, is simultaneously expansive and very much centered on one’s individual goals, aspirations — and social calendar.

But for one Queen Creek resident, her life as a young adult was torn apart by a cruel diagnosis taking, at first, what she thought was her glory days.

“She was a very active teen who loved to run track, swim and hang out with friends. When she became ill, all of the activities she once knew came to a screeching halt. She could no longer participate in activities and struggled with even the most basic of tasks,” said Jenny Dopp of her daughter Neeley.

“Today, Neeley is a 17-year-old Queen Creek native, who began suffering from a chronic illness at the age of 12. After visiting more than 15 different specialists and doctors, she was finally diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.”

Upon the syndrome taking hold of Neeley’s body, Mrs. Dopp describes a tumultuous time for the young Queen Creek resident.

“This means her blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, breathing and more don’t function properly,” she explained. “She knew she had to do something to think outside herself and that is when she started a 501(c)(3) Neeley’s Chronic Joy Foundation. This is a nonprofit that helps provide activities and basic needs to kids (ages 3-18) who suffer from a chronic illness.”

It was from this effort, Neeley’s passion for others came to take form.

“Neeley works very closely with the children and their parents to find an activity they can do despite their illness,” Mrs. Dopp said.

“For instance, a child recently wanted to learn to play the piano. She provided the piano and all necessary equipment, along with lessons. She has provided many different activities such as horseback riding, art and cooking lessons, swim therapy, and more that gives local children the opportunity to feel joy and develop a skill they can do.”

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Neeley Dopp as the September 2021 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Leaders of Tomorrow.

Precious time spent in service of others

Neeley is limited day-to-day and chooses to offer what energy she has on others who need help, Mrs. Dopp outlines.

“She chooses to spend much of her precious energy by volunteering her time every day,” she said.

“Neeley has raised over $70,000 to benefit kids with chronic illness, and has collected over $25,000 in donations of goods and services. She encourages fellow teens and anyone around her to volunteer their time and serve others. She is living proof that anyone, of any age or ability can make a difference.”

As the global COVID-19 pandemic carries on, Neeley continues her service efforts in earnest.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when most fundraising methods had come to a standstill for nonprofits, she continued to find additional methods to bring joy to chronically ill children,” Mrs. Dopp explains.

“She began collecting handmade cards, which she sends out each month to hundreds of children who suffer from chronic illnesses. News quickly spread throughout the community and she has been able to collect over 10,000 handmade cards from volunteers of all ages. She has even received handmade cards from several states throughout the nation and some internationally.”

Mrs. Dopp points out neither Neeley’s young age nor diagnosis has stopped her from the service of others during her work at the nonprofit effort she founded.

“Through Neeley’s efforts, she has been able to provide additional joy to children who suffer from chronic illness, and much-needed necessities to their families who often struggle under the weight of constant medical bills,” she said.

“She is the only local nonprofit who exclusively serves chronically ill children. Neeley was recently awarded the Presidential Service Award for volunteering well over 500 hours of service in the past calendar year. Although she is young, Neeley does everything to run her nonprofit from grant writing, donation collections, volunteer coordinating, event planning, accounting, and just about anything else you can think of within the organization.”

The Queen Creek Independent, along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Neeley as this month’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.

Nominations sought

Submissions are continuously sought from the Queen Creek community in multiple categories. All nominations to aznews@newszap.com will be reviewed, and monthly winners will be selected based on their community contributions.

Nominations should include name, email address, and phone number along with the category of nomination, some details about the person being nominated, and what accomplishments they have done.

A nomination form is here.