Born at GBMC in Towson
“Nicole and Neverdon are my two middle names. My mother thought it was important to give me Neverdon because that is her maiden name.”
Moving On Up: Jade Nicole Neverdon Merritt ’07
TU has sparked countless innovators. These are their stories.
An only child, Jade Nicole Neverdon Merritt was “best friends” with her mom, Mikey. When colorectal cancer took her at the age of 66, Merritt was devastated. She hit reset on her life, leaving her job at a biomedical company to found a nonprofit to help those battling cancer. Mikey’s Miracle Foundation, which she founded and now runs, serves patients and caregivers in Baltimore by providing them with food, transportation to appointments, education and other services. The organization is small but impactful; last year it helped about 75 people. “My mom had a generous heart, and I always say the best cure to your grief is helping someone else. I’m transforming pain into a purpose.”
Timeline
Took anatomy and biology courses in high school
"I loved dissecting things. I've always loved science."
Graduated from Temple University with a degree in anthropology
Began working as a microbiologist at Shire Pharmaceuticals while finishing her master's degree in biology at TU
She worked in a lab testing drugs for microbial contamination. "I liked feeling like I was a part of something greater, knowing that we are making sure that products are safe for the people who take them."
Worked as a technical specialist and clinical research associate at BD, a biomedical company
Her mother, Mikey, diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer
Mikey was one of 12 children, and three of her sisters had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer. However, she never got a colonoscopy. She was afraid to do it. She succumbed to cancer two years later.
Founded Mikey’s Miracle Foundation
"I recognized the impact cancer had not only on the patient but on family caregivers. At that time, I was at a bit of a crossroads. I was doing clinical research, which involved a lot of traveling to sites all across the country. It was a lot for me to be away from family in terms of processing grief and loss. I knew that I wanted to do something to help other people."
Continued to provide support to cancer patients in Baltimore
The organization offers free genetic testing, delivers meals to patients and caregivers, drives patients to and from their doctor’s appointments and offers education, particularly to people of color who have mistrust or feel uncomfortable seeking medical attention or advice. “We focus on people who are in treatment. We’ve given services to people from ages 2 to 65. Cancer doesn’t discriminate against age, race or gender.
Founded the Black Executive Director’s Network
The organization is designed to bring together Black leaders to discuss acquiring grants, accessing capital and leadership. “We are based on the principle of building community. As a woman of color leading an organization, having a community to identify with other Black leaders in the city is important.”
Mikey's Miracle Foundation held its annual Give More on 24 online fundraiser
The event, held July 24, raised $22,000 in 24 hours, a significant portion of the organization’s $65,000 annual budget. The foundation will hold the event again this year on July 24, her mother’s birthday. “I think my mom would be extremely proud that I was using our story to help other people.”