Anu Chauhan and John Wakelin share many interests—among them, helping people through their careers in medicine, traveling the world to visit friends, and spending time with family, especially their two children, ages 13 and 11. The couple resides in Bexley and also shares a passion for giving back to the community, supporting causes like education, healthcare, social justice, and the arts.
Chauhan, who grew up in Worthington, earned her under-graduate degree at Kent State University before completing medical school at the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. She returned to Columbus for a fellowship training in rheumatology and was soon introduced to Wakelin by a mutual friend.
Wakelin, meanwhile, grew up in Sylvania, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, he moved to Columbus to attend medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and complete his residency training.
Today, Chauhan works as a rheumatologist for the Columbus Arthritis Center, while Wakelin works as a plastic surgeon for CAPS.
The couple described that their philanthropy is fueled by a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to help others access opportunities that have been afforded to them. For Wakelin, giving back is also an extension of his upbringing. “It was always a big part of what we as a family did,” said Wakelin.
Not only was his family involved with causes that provide support to people with disabilities, but Wakelin has also completed several mission trips over the years, including with Operation Smile. Through his volunteer work with the organization, Wakelin has traveled to countries like Egypt, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Morocco to perform life-changing reconstructive surgery on children and adults with cleft lips and palates.
Now with a family of their own, Chauhan and Wakelin have begun involving their children in philanthropy, including having conversations about the importance of gratitude and service. Their hope is to inspire their son and daughter to discover causes that they’re passionate about and to dedicate their time and talent toward helping others. This summer, their son traveled to Costa Rica for an immersion program that included community service projects.
“Hopefully we’re making an impression on them,” said Wakelin.
“Now that they’re getting older, we’re looking forward to them participating more in these experiences.”
“We want them to know that they can make an impact in so many different ways,” added Chauhan.
Wanting to be more thoughtful and strategic with their charitable giving, Chauhan and Wakelin established the Wakelin-Chauhan Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation, in 2022. Through the fund, the family has generously supported numerous organizations, including those promoting the arts, education, healthcare, and more.
Although Chauhan and Wakelin have visited locations around the globe, Columbus holds a special place in their hearts—not just because of family ties or their careers, but because of the open, supportive, and collaborative spirit of the community.
“I came back to Columbus and stayed because it’s an amazing place,” said Chauhan. “The community is great. It makes you feel like home.”