Cedric D Mathew, Friends of Max City Chapter Leader from Kolkata, West Bengal, is our Patient Advocate for July 2024.
An Inspiring Advocate for CML Patients
Cedric’s story begins in Asansol, about 235 kms from Kolkata, where he was born and raised by a single mother who taught at St. Vincent’s School. Despite losing his father at the tender age of six, Cedric faced life’s challenges with resilience, learning the value of hard work and discipline. He remembers finding joy in gardening, playing outdoor sports and flying kites during school holidays.
After completing his school final exams, Cedric pursued higher education at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and while staying in the college hostel completed his B.Com (Hons). He then went on to do a postgraduate degree from The University of Burdwan, West Bengal.
In early January 2007, a family friend introduced Cedric to FOM as an organisation dedicated to supporting CML patients in India and globally through their wide patient support network. Inspired by FOM’s mission, Cedric has since been a volunteer and an active member of FOM’s Kolkata City Chapter. He has been instrumental in organising patient meetings, reaching out to patients and their families, educating them and inviting them to participate in workshops and Chai for Cancer Addas. Cedric has also visited Premashraya, a Child Care Center run by Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, and participated in the panel discussions held during the Patient Support Group Meetings organised by FOM.
Cedric believes these meetings serve as a means of building community resources and providing patients enrolled under The Max Foundation program, as well as caregivers, with treatment related informational and emotional support, which many lack at times. During the meetings the disease related information material provided by FOM to patients and their caregivers, including picture books for children in English and Bengali, help make complex information easy to understand and more accessible. Through shared experiences, patients feel empowered and it fosters a sense of community.
As an active City Chapter Leader, Cedric is always happy to meet other CML patients and their families, many of whom travel long distances, and are often uncertain, depressed and scared about their future burdened by the financial stress of the diagnosis. As a volunteer, Cedric strives to be a pillar of strength for them, alleviating their fears and providing support. Currently undergoing kidney-related issues himself, he understands the need for such support. He recalls times when he himself has been motivated by these “fighter” and “warriors” who exhibit remarkable strength, courage, determination and resilience with a courageous smile. Their message is clear: don’t be afraid of the big monster “C”. Further meeting Amma, Priyanka Madam and other fellow City Chapter Leaders, is a socially enriching and fulfilling experience.
“Amma has been a second mother to me and many for sure! Wearing the FOM t-shirt and logo gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction, especially when other patients and families approach me for counselling. My motto is simple: “Happy to Help.” He emphasises the importance of emotional support and believes life is a stage where everyone has a role to play.
Cedric is married to Anita, a senior school teacher at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata. They have a daughter, Aneesha, who is currently pursuing her M.Sc. in Botany at Scottish Church College in Kolkata. As an Executive Committee member of his housing society, Cedric works to ensure harmonious co-existence and active participation in cultural activities.
His advice to CML patients:
“Stay strong and be positive. When life gets tough, the tough get going. You are NOT ALONE! Hope and dream for a better tomorrow. With FOM you are in safe hands. Glivec is a wonder drug. Don’t forget to thank and be grateful to Novartis, FOM, treating physicians, family and caregivers. Ensure to take the medicine regularly as prescribed. Follow a proper diet, undergo annual health checkups, build immunity and stay healthy. Your motto should be “Choo lo Aasman” Sky is the limit; fly high like a kite!
There is absolutely no need to fear as we have members in the group who have been under the program for 20+years. Enjoy the journey and keep the wheels of life moving.
Ruk Jana nahin, tu kabhi haar ke, Kaatton pe chalke milenge saaye bahaar ke…”