Aditya Sharma, Friends of Max (FOM), City Chapter Leader from Delhi, is our Patient Advocate for May 2025.
A Journey of Quiet Strength and Rising Leadership
At FOM, we are proud and grateful to have Aditya Sharma as part of our growing group of young leaders. His journey—from that of a quiet supporter in the background to a committed and promising City Chapter Leader—is a powerful testament of how lived experiences can transform into meaningful action.
Aditya’s early years were much like those of many children—simple, joyful, and full of dreams. He grew up in a close-knit family with two siblings, all encouraged to focus on education and lead a disciplined life. Looking back, he now understands why their father, who was living with cancer, along with his mother shielded them from this reality – an act of paternal protection showing no visible signs of distress. They ensured with quiet courage that their childhood remained filled with learning and not touched by the fear that comes with Cancer.
And so, all three siblings excelled, securing promising placements. While Aditya looked forward to the transition to college, a closer look at his family’s situation led him to a pivotal decision—he chose distance education over a regular college course. As he shares, “this decision wasn’t about financial contribution just yet, but a conscious choice to support my family by reducing expenses and using the available resources wisely.”
He successfully completed both his graduation and a master’s degree, and began working at a BPO. This allowed him not only to support his family in small but meaningful ways, but also to enjoy simple pleasures and carefree moments—without adding to the family’s burden.
Getting introduced to Friends of Max
It was during one of those life-changing conversations that Aditya and his siblings were gently told the full truth behind their father’s regular visits to Mumbai. He recalls it clearly- perhaps the first and the only time the word “cancer” was spoken in their home. However what stayed with him about the conversation was not the weight of the diagnosis- but the calm and courageous way in which it was shared with him by his parents. It was also the day when he first heard about FOM- though at that time he was too young to truly understand its significance. Over the years that followed, he remembers attending FOM organised Patient Support Group Meetings with his father- though initially only as an observer.
Over time as his interest grew, he began reading FOM published disease related material, engaging in the sessions, asking questions. At FOM we too noticed how his involvement was slowly but surely deepening.
Today, Aditya is considered as one of FOM’s most dedicated volunteers. At every patient support meeting in and around Delhi, FOM Chapter relies on his presence—helping with the planning, coordination, and execution. His commitment combined with his experience as a caregiver makes him a vital part of the FOM family. Further leveraging his communication skills – written and spoken- helps FOM draft engaging meeting reports and other communication content to help spread awareness for patients and their families living with cancer which require lifelong treatment.
“It’s a role I take great pride in, and I always encourage my friends to participate and support the cause as well. It’s more than just volunteering—it’s being part of something truly meaningful,” feels Aditya when asked about his volunteering with FOM.
One of Aditya’s proudest moments- and ours at FOM, was his participation in the recent Friends of Max Leadership Summit 2025, held in Kolkata, where he was a part of the Delhi City Chapter Leader group. He was also part of the Workshop Group on Training New CCLs for FOM, a session that holds special importance at this stage of FOM’s journey, as the need to identify and nurture new champions has never been greater. Aditya stands as a shining example of the kind of leadership we hope to foster- committed, compassionate and rooted in lived experience.
Recalling his Leadership Summit experience Aditya shares, “Standing beside my father was a deeply emotional and powerful moment. From accompanying him to hospital appointments as a child to now standing with him as a fellow advocate and leader—it felt like a full-circle moment. It was a reflection of how far I’ve come in this journey.”
His advice to CML patients:
“You are not alone in this journey. FOM exists because of you—and for you. We are here to support, listen, and walk with you. Even in the toughest moments, there is hope. You are not just patients—you are warriors. And we’re proud to stand beside you.”
