If you have been to Delhi and attended an FOM meeting or a CFC Adda, chances are you would have met our Patient Advocate of the Month, Manhar. Today we bring you the story of someone, who started as a silent observer- what he calls a ‘backbencher’- and who has now grown into a compassionate patient leader . He has become in many ways, the face of Delhi FOM Chapter, carrying forward FOM’s vision and mission.
Meet Manhar Kochhar, FOM Patient Advocate for February 2025.
Strength is Contagious
Born and raised in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, Manhar proudly calls himself an ‘Old Delhi ka pakka chatora.’(one who loves to eat). His childhood was filled with cricket matches and lively conversations, an extrovert who never missed a chance to connect with people. And if there’s one thing that defines him , it is his love of Bollywood – a passion that has stayed with him over the years.
An alumnus of Maharaja Agrasen, he was always the ‘chilled-out’, extroverted student. Scoring 80% in his 12th boards, he says, shocked him more than anyone else. In typical Bollywood style he adds, “here comes the twist in my story, I got diagnosed with CML on 7 July 2004”. Hospitalized at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Delhi, the initial prognosis from doctors was grim – a life expectancy of just 3 to 5 years. He was introduced to a new medicine, which he received through the Novartis and The Max Foundation Assistance Programme. From surviving five years to celebrating ten, and now standing strong at 21 years post diagnosis, his story is one of motivating and inspiring other patients and their caregivers.
Joining Hands with Friends of Max
Manhar started attending Patient Group Meetings, but recalls he would always sit at the back, absorbing every bit of information. Gradually as time went by, he became more confident and today has transitioned into an active City Chapter Leader. ‘Kitna time jiyunga?’- This simple yet profound question has led him to the realization that patients could be each other’s strongest support system.
From being a listener, today Manhar is a guiding voice for many in the FOM CML community in and around Delhi NCR.
Manhar is an exemplary role model. From those back-row seats, he has stepped onto the main stage, engaging with patients, offering them comfort, and giving them the courage to keep going. He has become an integral part of the ‘Chai for Cancer’ campaign, someone who our hosts can depend upon. Today, when patients approach him with concerns, he simply shares his story: ‘21 saal ho gaye.’(it’s been 21 years!) That statement alone infuses them with strength and optimism.
A Special Experience to Remember
Among the many unforgettable moments in his journey, he remembers one, which to him stands out vividly. Undergoing a painful bone marrow test, he encountered an elderly woman outside the hospital room. Despite his own discomfort, her words left a lasting impact – ‘Beta, tumhe dekh kar mujhe bhi himmat aa gayi, ab asani se test karwa loongi .’ (Son, seeing you I also have got courage, now I will get the test done easily.)
This exchange reaffirmed his belief that strength is contagious. By simply sharing our struggles, we unknowingly empower others.
Manhar’s passion for Patient Advocacy doesn’t stop at FOM. He is an active member of the Lymphoma Support Group, where he, along with others, conducts monthly visits at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. Their mission is to reassure and motivate patients and their caregivers that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
“No war is fought alone; you need an army,” he says. His army consists of his ever-supportive parents, loyal friends, and his rock – his loving wife. They have stood by him through thick and thin, making the journey less daunting and more meaningful.
His advice to other CML Patients:
Stay strong and never lose hope.
To win, you have to fight.
Always keep a smile on your face.
And most importantly, listen to your doctors – follow their advice diligently!
Keep fighting, keep inspiring!
