At Friends of Max (FOM), every month it is a privilege to feature individuals who inspire and show us the way forward, not only through their personal journey, but in the manner through which they carry others with them, motivating them on their own cancer journey.
This month, we proudly present Vicky Vatnani of Hyderabad , another exemplary FOM City Chapter Leader, as our Patient Advocate for the Month, November 2025.
An example of passionate and heartfelt commitment to the patient community.
Vicky grew up with dreams bigger than the sky above him. Fascinated by airplanes, travel and the vast world beyond, he set himself a goal: to see the world by the age of 25. He is happy to share that he did manage to explore many countries in the world and is still counting.
During his teenage years, another love took over: forests and wildlife. Nature seemed to be his calling and the pull stronger than that from classrooms. With a camera in hand, he spent hours in capturing moments of wildlife beauty. In the midst of all of this, he also managed to complete his B.Tech in Biotechnology.
Vicky recalls being introduced to FOM through a close friend who was already part of the organisation. His interest quickly grew, and in 2009, he attended his first Patient Support Group Meeting in Andhra Pradesh. That experience changed everything.
“I actively participated, and listening to patients and doctors made me realise how much these support meetings help patients and their families. It inspired me to do more for FOM,” Vicky shares.
Cut to today, Vicky has been a committed member ever since. An exemplary City Chapter Leader, he is an integral part of the Andhra FOM community. Apart from guiding patients and their families, he also plays a significant role in organizing Chai for Cancer Addas across Hyderabad, at KBR Park, in corporate settings, gated communities and hospitals. Each Adda, in turn, helps to strengthen the CML community, raise awareness and funds and bring people to support patients living with CML and GIST.
What he witnessed on that first Patient Support Group Meeting in Andhra: seeing patients arrive anxious and unsure, yet leave empowered and hopeful; made him the dependable City Chapter Leader he is today. He ensures the same in every meeting held in Andhra Pradesh. Over the years, Vicky has supported patients by encouraging adherence to treatment, sharing experiences and offering them reassurance during their moments of doubt or fear.
With most of his family based in Hyderabad, Vicky has been FOM’s steady supporter and continues to be an active member of the Andhra Chapter.
His advice to CML patients:
“Fight with enthusiasm—like it’s a battle. Don’t let the world treat you with sympathy. With support from FOM, guidance from doctors, and access to Imatinib (which is the first line of drug), life can and will be good.”
