Subir Ranjan and Sushmita Sen, Friends of Max City Chapter Leaders from Kolkata, are our Patient Advocate for November 2024.
A Story of Hope and Gratitude
Sushmita Sen and Subir Ranjan Sen’s journey is a powerful testament to their shared strength highlighting the transformative power of compassionate physicians and medical innovation.
Sushmita Sen, born into a distinguished Bengali family of ancient lineage, grew up in the historic Jorasanko Rajbati at 286 Rabindra Sarani, a landmark in Kolkata’s heritage walk. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in tradition, harmony, and familial bonds, with six grandparents coexisting peacefully in her childhood home. Sushmita’s father, a Chartered Accountant, and her mother, a homemaker, instilled values of perseverance and education that became guiding principles in her life.
Sushmita’s academic journey began at Loreto House, one of Kolkata’s most prestigious institutions, where she studied from Lower KG through her Higher Secondary examinations. At the age of 19, before her exam results were published, she married Subir, who would become her partner in a remarkable story of strength and perseverance. Subir’s family provided unwavering support, enabling Sushmita to complete her BA ( Honours) in Political Science from Lady Brabourne College and a Master’s degree from Calcutta University—all while raising their daughter, Sangita.
In October 2000, the couple’s lives took an unexpected turn when Subir was diagnosed with CML. Early symptoms like bruising and red welts were identified by a doctor friend. The diagnosis was devastating; at that time, as CML had a grim prognosis, with a life expectancy of six months to two years.
Under the care of Dr Subhas Majumdar, a trusted hematologist, (also brother in law of another FOM member Late Rajat Mazumdar), they learned of a groundbreaking drug, STI-571 (later known as Glivec). However, the treatment’s prohibitive cost initially seemed insurmountable and so they started Subir’s treatment with alternate therapies including Homeopathy, Allopathy and Ayurveda. Unfortunately nothing worked. Despite these overwhelming odds Subir’s determination shone through. His immediate focus became witnessing a milestone: their son Samiran’s admission to St. Xavier’s School.
It was through Dr Subhas Majumdar’s doctor friend that they learnt about a new lifeline: Novartis had started providing Glivec free of cost through the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP), facilitated by The Max Foundation.
Subir was the first patient in West Bengal to join GIPAP, and his progress was extraordinary. Within 15 days, he achieved hematological remission, followed by cytogenetic remission in two years and major molecular remission in a decade. Today, his goal is to reach Treatment-Free Remission (TFR), a testament to his enduring fight against the disease.
Sushmita and Subir credit The Max Foundation, led by Viji Venkatesh and her compassionate team, for their unwavering support. The foundation’s initiatives, including treatment facilitation and its Support Arm, Friends of Max and its awareness programs like Chai for Cancer, have empowered countless CML and GIST patients.
Today, together, they have become active participants in FOM’s patient activities in Kolkata, including early awareness efforts, attending meetings, performing in plays, and spreading messages of hope for patients and their families living with CML.
Their gratitude to The Max Foundation runs deep:
“Words cannot convey the depth of feeling we have for all of you whose dedication allowed so many to live a near-normal life.”
The journey was not without challenges. Subir has had to endure side effects, while Sushmita managed the emotional toll of caregiving. Yet, what keeps them going is their gratitude for the extended life that Glivec afforded them; it is boundless.
Subir’s resilience and compliance to treatment has allowed them to witness their children’s achievements: Sangita, a recipient of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Award and the Madame Curie Individual Scholarship in Europe, and Samiran, a gold medalist at St. Xavier’s, who completed his PhD in Biophysics at Oslo University and now conducts research at the Pasteur Institute in Paris.
Today, both Subir and Shushmita cherish their roles as grandparents to two young grandchildren, aged six and three. Sushmita continues her commitment to patient advocacy while embracing the joys of family life. Her days are filled with laughter and the constant call of “mummy, mummy,” reflecting the deep bonds she shares with her loved ones.
Sushmita and Subir’s journey exemplifies how resilience, physician support, and medical breakthroughs can transform lives, inspiring others to face challenges with courage and optimism.
Their advice to fellow patients and caregivers is one of enduring hope:
“Let hope eternal rise in your breast so that we can conquer our disease” and help the weak, the lame and the sore. Let’s help others as we have been helped. Never give up hope even in the depth of despair. God is good.”