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Rina Patel

Rina Patel was a South Asian Portland mother and member of the city’s medical mama support network. Her daughter, Asha Patel, had a congenital heart defect and depended on a tracheostomy and ventilator.

Family and Core Relationships

Asha Patel

Asha was Rina’s daughter. She was ten when Jess began discussing a move to Baltimore with the group. Asha’s medical history included a congenital heart defect, a tracheostomy, and ventilator dependence.

Portland Medical Mama Network

Rina belonged to a Portland support network with Jess Ross, Marisa Garcia, Leah Whitaker, and Tasha Reynolds. The group used text chains, video calls, and occasional in-person gatherings to share information and resources and to coordinate support during hospitalizations and other crises.

Rina was soft-spoken but incisive, habitually thinking several steps ahead. She kept color-coded binders for planning and brought that same organized attention to the group rather than leaving practical help at expressions of sympathy.

Support for the Ross Family Move

Main article: Cal and Jess Move to Baltimore (March 2038) - Event

Rina participated in the network’s support for Jess and Caleb Ross before their March 2038 move from Portland to Baltimore. The group coordinated fundraising, moving logistics, and emotional support. Rina specifically helped Jess plan records transfer and how to move Cal’s medical equipment. In the group chat, she reassured Jess that services could be rebuilt and urged her to keep a photograph of Cal smiling with his lion where she could see it when she doubted the move.

Memorable Quotes

“Services can be rebuilt. Records can be transferred. Equipment can be shipped. I’ve already got a color-coded system in my head. Don’t test me.”

Rina said this while the Portland group helped Jess plan Cal’s move to Baltimore.

Characters Minor Characters Living Characters South Asian Characters Patel Family