Prashant Kumar, Friends of Max, City Chapter Leader from Patna, is our Patient Advocate for January 2025.
Overcoming tough challenges with love and courage
FOM’s patient advocate for January 2025 is 50 year old Prashant, a truly dedicated caregiver and advocate for cancer patients. Born and raised in Patna, Prashant is also a skilled graphic designer working at a leading newspaper of Bihar. He has been a pillar of strength to his family and the ‘FOM family’ in Patna.
Growing up, Prashant was inspired by his father, an art teacher, and his mother, a homemaker. He is the third of four siblings with one elder brother & sister and a younger sister. After completing his graduation from Patna University, he pursued advanced multimedia courses in Delhi. However, life took a turn when his father suffered a brain stroke, prompting Prashant to return to Patna to support his family. With a year of physiotherapy, though his father recovered and resumed his teaching duties, in 2002, another challenge struck Prashant’s family.
His mother was diagnosed with CML at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. The diagnosis was naturally disturbing. Treatment was costly, and Glivec, a life-saving medication, was beyond their financial reach. Determined to help his mother, Prashant applied for assistance through The Max Foundation’s program, which provided Glivec free of charge to patients from economically weaker sections. He recalls how his mother’s application was approved within weeks, bringing hope to their family.
It was during his visits to the Max Foundation office in Mumbai, that Prashant met Amma, a compassionate advocate who encouraged him to connect with others facing similar challenges. Taking her advice to heart, Prashant remembers organizing the first Patient Support Group Meeting in Patna in 2003, marking the beginning of his involvement with FOM.
What motivates him as a Patient Advocate? As a caregiver, Prashant has witnessed the highs and lows of a cancer journey. He cherishes the small victories—a smile on a difficult day or renewed energy after positive medical reports. These moments remind him of the preciousness of life and fuels his commitment to patient advocacy.
Today, Prashant spearheads the FOM (Patna) City Chapter Leaders group. Through his active involvement and the camaraderie that he shares with the other City Chapter Leaders, they have built a community rooted in strength and solidarity. Meetings in Patna are always well attended by patients, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters who travel from across Bihar to share stories, raise awareness, and create a network of hope.
For the past 20 years, Prashant and the team in Patna have been successfully organizing regional support group meetings, offering support and guidance to countless families living with cancer. In addition, Prashant also actively helps to mobilize donations from his friends and connections to assist other patients in need, further strengthening the community.
Prashant’s lives with his loving wife, Rashmi, a consultant, and their two sons, Armaan and Aryan, who are his pillars of support. Armaan is preparing for his 12th board exams and dreams of becoming a doctor, inspired by his family’s journey. Aryan, the younger son, is in 4th grade and brings joy and laughter to their home. Prashant and his sons, all talented artists, regularly contribute their artwork to Chai for Cancer fundraising art shows, helping to raise donations and support for the cause.
“Through my advocacy work, I have learned to value the small things, cherish the present, and never take life for granted. I believe in the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit,” pens off Prashant.
His advice to other CML Patients:
“I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Though the road may feel long and filled with challenges, please remember that each step you take is a victory. As a volunteer, I am honoured to be by your side, offering whatever support I can. You are a testament to the power of the human spirit, and I truly believe in the strength that lies within each of you. You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved. Stay strong, and never lose hope.”
