Our Founder
— Prof. Satish Chandra
His story is not just one of survival but of transformation, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
A Journey of Resilience: The Story of Prof. (Dr.) Satish Chandra & ASGI
(Prf.) Dr. Satish Chandra, a distinguished public servant, researcher, and the visionary founder of RDSSDF, also leads ASGI with a deep commitment to transforming amyloidosis care in India. His leadership ensures that ASGI’s initiatives not only align with RDSSDF’s broader mission but also create a meaningful impact in public health, rural medical outreach, and social service development.
A Life Redefined
Life has a way of unfolding unpredictably, often in ways we least expect. In July 2022 everything changed for Professor (Dr.) Satish Chandra, when he was diagnosed with AL Amyloidosis Cardiac, a rare and life-threatening disorder, his world changed overnight.
Search for Answers
What began as an unexpected diagnosis soon evolved into a transformative journey—one that not only reshaped Prof. Satish Chandra’s life but also had a profound impact on countless others battling amyloidosis.
The path to understanding AL Amyloidosis was both intricate and demanding. Determined to find answers and the best possible treatment, Prof. Chandra consulted some of the world’s most renowned medical experts. His pursuit of care led him to prestigious hospitals across India and the United States, including AIIMS (New Delhi), Max Hospital (Saket, New Delhi), Medanta (Gurgaon), Kokilaben Hospital (Mumbai), Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC, Pune), Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA), and leading medical centers in Wisconsin, USA.
Despite receiving world-class medical attention, he came to a crucial realization—while AL Amyloidosis is not curable, it is manageable. Living with this condition requires continuous adaptation, not only for the patient but also for their caregivers.
The Battle: Navigating Treatment & Challenges
Prof. Chandra’s treatment journey was marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs. Over time, his treatment regimens evolved as doctors worked diligently to manage his fluctuating condition. Each stage of treatment presented unique challenges, requiring resilience, medical expertise, and unwavering determination. Through it all, he remained steadfast in his resolve, refusing to let the disease define his journey.
The Turning Point: A Vision for a Supportive Community
Through his struggles, Prof. Chandra identified a significant gap—while medical treatment was accessible, emotional and community support remained scarce. Patients and caregivers often found themselves navigating this complex disease in isolation.
The Birth of ASGI (Amyloidosis Support Group of India):
Determined to bridge this gap, he founded ASGI, India’s first dedicated amyloidosis support network. With a clear goal, ASGI focuses on raising awareness, connecting Patients & Caregivers, collaborating with Doctors & Researchers ,
ASGI quickly became a beacon of hope, bringing together patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in a shared mission to improve lives.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy of Hope
For Prof. Chandra, this journey is far from over. His mission continues to evolve, with a steadfast focus on:
Expanding ASGI’s Reach – Extending awareness and support to more patients across India. ⚕️ Strengthening Collaborations – Fostering deeper engagement with medical professionals, policymakers, and researchers. 📢 Advocating for Amyloidosis Patients – Driving policy reforms to improve rare disease treatment and patient care.
A Personal Reflection
“AL Amyloidosis changed my life, but it also gave me a purpose. If we can create a world where no patient has to battle this disease alone, then our struggle will not have been in vain.”