This December, Friends of Max (FOM) proudly present the charming and dynamic Shashi Kankani and Monica Kapoor from Delhi as our Patient Advocates for the month.
The Power of Collective Advocacy
As inspiring City Chapter Leaders, Shashi and Monica exemplify the power of collective advocacy and the meaningful change it can create. Through their shared strength, compassion and continued commitment, they play a vital role in the FOM Delhi Chapter. Their efforts have made a deep and lasting positive impact on the patient and caregiver community from the region.
Shashi’s upbringing across Rajasthan and Coimbatore exposed her to diverse cultures and ways of life, nurturing a natural sense of adaptability, empathy and an affinity towards social work and helping those in need.
Monica’s childhood, filled with train journeys to her nani’s (maternal grandmother)) home, family gatherings, visits to Srinagar and a home filled with laughter and visitors, instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for togetherness and human connection.
Both firmly believe these formative experiences (which according to Monica are so many that she could easily write a book on them) shaped their inclusive outlook on life and reinforced their belief that healing is strengthened when people stand together.
Academically, Shashi holds degrees in B. Com and B.Ed and has pursued Chartered Accountancy, while Monica is a Science graduate with training in Naturopathy from Gandhi Museum, Rajghat.
Shashi has been associated with Friends of Max since inception. She was introduced to the organisation through her brother-in-law, who was diagnosed with CML and in the early years of the GIPAP program (2004-2006), she played a critical role in helping FOM identify and enroll deserving patients from AIIMS, Delhi.
Monica became associated with Friends of Max in 2010 at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Rohini, Delhi, while her mother was undergoing treatment. Reflecting on that time, Monica shares, “I was immediately drawn to the organisation’s positivity, warmth and strong sense of purpose in making people’s lives better. It helped me understand the meaning of life.”
What began as a family connection to both, has since evolved into an enduring commitment to the cause. Today, dependable and deeply committed, they are always ready to support FOM activities. Whether it is a Patient Support Group Meeting, identifying new hospitals for forming an association with organising a Chai for Cancer Adda (including the tradition annual ones held at Lodhi Gardens and Rajiv Gandhi Hospital), they remain just a call away.
Beyond their work with FOM, both these strong women remain deeply committed to social service.
Shashi actively supports underprivileged children and women through a local and active Ladies Club and is also associated with the Rajasthan Association and Maheshwari Mandal.
Monica is actively involved with the Lymphoma Support Group at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital under Dr. Bhurani, where she offers emotional strength and encouragement to patients and families. She acknowledges being inspired by Viji Amma, someone she lovingly describes as an angel whose compassion has touched countless lives.
Their advice to CML patients:
Shashi– “Stay connected. Stay strong. Your willpower is the key to overcoming any hurdle in life. No one has to walk this journey alone—support, connection, and togetherness make all the difference. When we walk together and support one another, even the heaviest burdens become lighter.”
As an old song beautifully reminds us:
“Saathi haath badhaana,
ek akela thak jaayega,
milkar bojh uthaana.”
(Come friend , give me your hand. Why work alone when together we can lighten one another’s burden?)
Monica– “Live life as a king and don’t take stress, try to laugh every moment, meet positive people and ignore the things which you can’t handle.
Zindagi naa milega dobara so live life the way you want to, stay blessed always 🙏”
(This life will not come our way another time so live it well !)
Adds Viji , Shashi and Monica together play a very important role in bringing and keeping together the enthusiastic and energetic Delhi City Chapter.
No matter their personal commitments , they always take the time out for our gatherings big and small … they infuse every event with so much positivity and especially those early morning very special to Delhi Lodhi Garden meetings.
