A Caregiver’s Perspective on the Indore Meeting- by Rishi Arora

A CML and GIST Patient Support Group Meeting was held on 14 December 2025 in Indore. Over 65 patients and their caregivers attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Rishi Arora, care giver to his father, shared his thoughts and insights. 

Rishi Arora has been associated with Friends of Max since 2008 and is an integral part of the FOM Indore City Chapter Leader group. He is always happy to take the time out and help FOM in organising its patient related activities. 

1. How do these gatherings impact individuals, and what emotions surface when connecting with the FOM Community?

It has always felt like connecting with an extended family that offers emotional support to every member. At the same time, it helps overcome fears that arise from a lack of awareness, as doctors share valuable insights and patients openly talk about their real-life experiences and journeys.

2.       Now it has been 20 years since we have been doing patient support group meetings, how do you think the meetings have evolved, what are the new changes in the discussions and workshops that you are seeing?

Now, a panel of multiple doctors provides a richer and more engaging experience for patients attending the meeting. After lunch, several fun yet motivating activities help patients leave with happy faces and renewed positivity to continue their fight against CML.

3.       What would you like to see in future meetings?

I believe the meetings are wholesome and cover all the necessary areas. Introducing a session to note down any operational challenges faced by patients, or the types of support the Max Foundation can provide, and then addressing these concerns later through follow-up phone calls would be a valuable initiative.

4.       In your experience with Support Group meetings, can you share a specific instance where you witnessed a notable impact or positive outcome for a patient?

I witnessed this impact first-hand with my father. When the meeting was held in Indore for the first time, he was going through a very difficult phase and was emotionally weak. After attending the meeting, interacting with fellow patients, and hearing positive messages from doctors about medications and how proper compliance can make this disease as manageable as diabetes or blood pressure, he regained his confidence and returned home in a cheerful and hopeful mood.