Friends of Max (FOM) proudly celebrates two young Patient Advocates whose energy and empathic nature have left a lasting impression on everyone they meet.
Souvik Das, City Chapter Leader from Kolkata and Simran Thoolkar, City Chapter Leader from Nagpur, represent a new generation of vibrant leaders. Strengthened by their personal experiences and mature beyond their years they are driven by a deep desire to serve the FOM community.
They are the life and soul of various team gatherings like our Leadership Summits, Regional Patient Support Group Meetings and Chai for Cancer Addas. They show great promise as emerging leaders within the FOM community.
It is a sweet coincidence that both their fathers are from the Police Force.
Spotlight on FOM’s Young Patient Advocates
Going back, Souvik fondly remembers his childhood days playing with friends in the field in front of his home, especially the surprise birthday celebration when he turned seven. These simple yet joyful memories are constant reminders of how important family, friendship and such basic pleasures are to him.
Souvik holds a degree in Master of Computer Applications (MCA) and has been a dedicated caregiver to his father, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) many years ago. Souvik has grown up seeing his father, who served in the West Bengal Police and was always an active member of FOM. Though he humbly describes himself as “just a volunteer,” Souvik’s commitment speaks volumes. As an active volunteer with FOM, he readily supports FOM in all its patient centric activities and provides the much needed support to other CMLers and their families in the group.
With great sincerity Souvik shares , “Every FOM meeting holds a special place in my heart. I have witnessed first-hand the strength and hope these meetings bring to patients and families living with CML and on lifelong treatment.
During FOM’s All India Leadership Summit held at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, in March 2025, Souvik impressed everyone with his kind attitude, gentle demeanor and his efficient management skills.
Simran, born and raised in Nagpur and remembers growing up in a loving and yet disciplined household as the daughter of a police officer. Her childhood, though simple, was shaped by strong values like honesty, compassion towards all and resilience. Alongside her elder sister and their pet dog, she built a small but deeply meaningful world rooted in family bonds.
An all-rounder, she holds a degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, excels in hockey and is a diploma holder in the classical dance form of Kathak. Today, she works as an Assistant Manager at a motorcycle manufacturing company, continuing to embody discipline and dedication in her professional life too.
When Simran was 19 years old and studying in Pune, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) following a fainting spell in her college hostel. It was an unexpected and frightening development in her normal student life. However determined to not let her diagnosis define her, she returned to college and completed her engineering degree.
As she recalls, during that phase while she was physically recovering, she struggled emotionally, until she discovered FOM. In her own words, “for the first time, I found people who truly understood me and what living with CML meant. I quickly grew close to the organisation not just as a member or a volunteer but also as family.”
Since then her contribution to FOM has grown steadily and steadfastly. As she gradually accepted her diagnosis, she began supporting newly diagnosed patients, offering reassurance and understanding.
Today both Souvik and Simran actively participate in Patient Support Meetings and Chai for Cancer Addas, especially reaching out to those who feel overwhelmed and isolated .
Simran strives to be the person she once needed the most during her difficult days, someone who listens, reassures and reminds others that life continues beyond CML.
One common cherished memory they both share is being surrounded by the unwavering support of their own family and friends, who made them feel safe and supported in every situation and how their collective love has helped them shape their lives today.
Simran adds, “My sister became my emotional anchor, my mother’s faith provided hope, my father’s quiet strength inspired resilience, and my close friends ensured I was treated not as a patient, but simply as Simran.”
Their advice to CML patients:
Souvik Das, “I strongly encourage all CML patients to attend FOM events, meet doctors face-to-face, ask questions and experience the comfort of the supportive FOM community as I do.”
Simran Thoolkar, “Your journey may be difficult, but it is not without purpose. Every day you choose to continue is an act of bravery. Be patient with yourself, allow yourself to feel, and never forget that you are more than your illness. As Gautama Buddha said, “Pain is certain, but suffering is optional.”
