Kusum as student: As I heard from the friends, classmates, and parents of my wife, my love “Kusum aka Vibha,”  she was a bright student. Not a high scorer or topper, but a hardworking, studious, concept-based learning type student. Her parents were from a lower middle-class family from Rohtak, Haryana, where no one in her extended family was well qualified. A state where the girl-boy ratio was very poor and girl education was not encouraged. But Kusum’s amazing parents supported her education. But it was Kusum’s passion and dream to study more and more and make a successful career that led the way.

Kusum, education & cost: She was doing BSc (bachelor’s degree in Science) and then left it to pursue B.Pharm. (bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy), thinking that it may be a way to fulfil her dream. After B.Pharm., there was no money with family to support her higher studies, but she did again and qualified GATE, a tough competitive exam that gave her admission in one of India’s top institutes to get a postgraduate degree in Medical Chemistry (M.Pharm in Medical Chemistry), and that too with a 100% scholarship, covering every cost of her studies.

Kusum and me: Being lucky, I met her at Zydus Cadila, a leading pharma company in India, where she was doing her M.Pharm. dissertation project in Analytical R&D and I had joined the Drug Regulatory Affairs department as a regulatory scientist. I fell in love with her even before meeting her (that’s another story for another day to tell), and here we were getting married after a few months.

After completion of her M.Pharm. and post-marriage, her first job was as a clinical research scientist…..It is interesting that after her diagnosis with cancer, she had to participate in 7 clinical trials/ research medicine because all the approved standard treatments in India failed her. So, see how the table turns from being a clinical research scientist to becoming a patient searching for and participating in clinical trials.

She, Cancer, PhD & MBA:
Her passion for learning and study continued after our marriage, and she was committed to studying further. She secured admission to a PhD programme in pharmaceutical sciences for analytical research and development. But here comes the diagnosis for her stage 4 lung cancer (never smoker) metastatic to the brain, bones, ovaries, adnexa, et al. She was never able to be in a position to give the required energy and time for research, …..and her dream of a PhD remains a dream…

As she was not able to travel, work in labs, do research, etc., hence leaving her PhD, she took admission for a distance MBA. Despite her fight with Cancer, she passed three semesters of MBA, too, with distinction…….But God did not give her the required time to appear in her final semester exam……

Me & her wishes: On the other hand, I neither had interest in studying further nor had time with a full-time professional job that helped to earn bread for my family, where I never compromise in time and commitment, my volunteer work of cancer patient advocacy, and indeed a single dad job……..But I don’t know why I was feeling uneasy with the thought that all those academic wishes of Kusum remain unfulfilled. Though they were such wishes that ideally became null and void with her leaving this world,    but I was not getting peace. Hence, one day I decided that in memory and for my love, my Vibha, I would fulfil all those wishes. I have decided to give my nights and any possible available time to it………So, I got enrolled in PhD,….and here I am after a few years, Vivek has become Dr. Vivek….

If she is there, anywhere, I hope she is getting some peace like me to see those of her wishes fulfilled through me.

Knowing Kusum, you would assume that in the list that she had planned before and during Cancer, it could not only be PhD :-). You already know about MBA, and there are many others…..So watch this space for updates on my journey living and fulfilling my Kusum wish list 🙂

For love, for hope, for humanity,
Vivek

🌟 Thrilled to share this important update from my volunteer work! 🌟

I am delighted to announce that as a patient advocate, I had the privilege of co-leading an extraordinary study alongside passionate oncologists from India and the US. Our research focuses on shedding light on the critical issues faced by caregivers and families of cancer patients in India, taking a closer look at the pervasive challenge of Financial Toxicity.

I am immensely proud to share that our study has not only been published in a prestigious Springer Nature 2023 journal but has also garnered tremendous visibility. “The Times of India“, the largest selling English-language daily in the world, recently covered our research, further amplifying its impact and reach.

This study has expanded the conversation on Financial Toxicity beyond the borders of the United States. In examining the burdens faced by families and caregivers in India, we have delved into the intricate psychosocial dynamics that surround these challenges. Our findings underscore the urgent need to address these issues and offer actionable steps forward.

Our research dives deep into the evidence, potential interventions, and future directions to tackle the far-reaching consequences of financial toxicity in the context of cancer diagnoses. By illuminating the ways in which it affects access to care, the mental and emotional well-being of caregivers, and the overall family dynamics, we aim to inspire change and improve the lives of cancer patients and their support systems.

I am humbled by the significance of this work and its potential to bring attention to the unmet needs and challenges faced by cancer caregivers and families in India. Together, we are paving the way for transformative solutions. 🤞

If you’re interested in learning more about our study and recommendations, which encapsulate global perspectives and experiences of families and caregivers, I encourage you to read the published article in the esteemed Springer journal.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed to this endeavor. Let’s continue our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by cancer and work towards a brighter future.

#CancerResearch #Caregivers #FamilySupport #PatientAdvocacy #TransformativeResearch #India #FinacialToxicity

For love, hope and humanity,

Vivek