Ruchira (Ru’s) cancer journey didn’t just change her life — it clarified her responsibility. To use her voice, her experience, and her platform to make things better for the patients who come after her.
She believes patients are not simply passive recipients of care. They are data holders, insight providers, and co-creators of better healthcare systems.
Her Focus
Patient Partner & Patient Voice
- She contributes her lived-experience to health conversations.
- Contributed to focus groups, patient surveys, usability testing and patient advisory panels – patient and family panel and cancer experience panel.
Technology
During her cancer journey, she became increasingly aware of how technology and AI-assisted tools influence diagnostics, treatment pathways, and research.
- Contributed directly to the Cancer Trials Canada website, helping to evaluate the design and usability of the website for patients, caregivers and families.
Health Coaching & Empowerment
As a health coach , she supports individuals navigating chronic conditions in helping them achieve their health goals as well as :
- Develop self management skills and become good self managers
How Ru Creates Positive Impact
- Raises awareness and helps challenge misconceptions about lung cancer by sharing her lived experience.
- Supports cancer research fundraising through campaigns and storytelling.
- Brings patient perspective to Research and healthcare.
- Provides real patient insight to websites, focus groups, surveys, and usability studies
- Uses her story to encourage and empower people navigating cancer and other significant life challenges.
Her Why
To use her experience, voice and skills to improve the experience of people affected by cancer.
Volunteer Organizations
- BC Cancer & Right 2 Survive – Patient Partner
- Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – Member Advisory Cancer Experience Panel
- Self-Management BC – Health Coach
- Community Advocacy – Active on Instagram educating patients