Kusum Memorial Cancer Foundation

About the Trust

Kusum Memorial Cancer Foundation is a registered public charitable trust in India, established with a singular purpose:
to ensure that every cancer patient – regardless of cancer type, genetic profile, or socioeconomic background – has access to timely, evidence-based care, strong advocacy, and a compassionate support system.

The Trust serves as the legal and governance umbrella for patient-led initiatives focused on lung cancer, precision oncology, clinical research advocacy, and patient empowerment, while remaining inclusive of all cancer types.

The Foundation is built in memory of Kusum Malik Tomar, who was the longest survivor of Stage IV lung cancer of her time, a paticipant of number of clinical trials & research medicine, patient advocate and co-founder of ALK Positive India, whose courage and resilience continue to inspire our commitment to dignity, hope, and scientific progress for cancer patients and caregivers.

Vision

A future where every cancer patient – regardless of cancer type, genetic profile, or socioeconomic background – has equitable access to cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, and a strong support system that empowers them to live with dignity and hope.

Mission

To empower and support cancer patients – especially those affected by lung cancer – through:

  • Patient advocacy and education
  • Access to the latest evidence-based treatments
  • Promotion of clinical research and clinical trials
  • Building strong patient and caregiver communities
  • Influencing policy for improved cancer care in India

Through initiatives such as Rise To Survive Cancer, ALK Positive India, and The White Ribbon Project – India, the Foundation works to bridge gaps between patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry—always keeping patient interest at the center.

Our Core Focus Areas

1. Patient Support & Advocacy

  • Emotional, educational, and navigation support for cancer patients and caregivers
  • Special focus on lung cancer and ALK-positive NSCLC patients
  • Guidance on treatment pathways, second opinions, and emerging therapies

2. Clinical Research & Trials Advocacy

  • Promoting awareness and participation in clinical trials across all cancer types
  • Advocating for stronger clinical research infrastructure in India
  • Facilitating dialogue between patients, researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies
  • Supporting early and equitable access to innovative treatments

3. Awareness & Community Engagement

  • Public awareness campaigns on early detection, screening, and treatment advancements
  • Educational programs, webinars, summits, podcasts, and digital outreach
  • Training and mentoring patient advocates to support newly diagnosed patients

4. Policy Engagement

  • Advocating for patient-centric healthcare policies
  • Raising issues related to access, affordability, diagnostics, and research funding
  • Representing patient voices in national and global cancer forums

Key Initiatives Under the Trust

Rise To Survive Cancer

A patient-first advocacy platform focused on empowering cancer patients through awareness, education, storytelling, and policy engagement – ensuring that no patient feels alone in their journey.

ALK Positive India

India’s first oncogene-focused patient support initiative, dedicated to ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, providing education, community support, treatment guidance, and access to research opportunities.

The White Ribbon Project – India

An awareness and advocacy initiative aimed at promoting early detection, reducing stigma, and strengthening conversations around lung cancer and serious illnesses through symbolic and community-driven action.

Governance & Ethics

Kusum Memorial Cancer Foundation operates as a non-profit, non-commercial charitable trust.
All activities are carried out without profit motive, and the benefits of the Trust are open to all individuals irrespective of caste, religion, gender, race, or socioeconomic background.

The Trust adheres to high standards of:

  • Transparency
  • Ethical governance
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Evidence-based advocacy

Legal Status

  • Registered Public Charitable Trust (India)
  • Registration Number: IV 73
  • PAN: AAGTK1403R
  • Bank Details: Bank: State Bank of India; Account Name: Kusum Memorial Cancer Foundation; Account number: 44804321264
  • Email Id: KusumCancerFoundation@gmail.com

Our Commitment

We believe that patients are not passive recipients of care – they are key stakeholders in healthcare systems.
Through science-led advocacy, community strength, and compassionate action, Kusum Memorial Cancer Foundation is committed to building a future where cancer care in India is equitable, informed, and humane.