Adya Uppal
ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Adya, a passionate biochemist and public health activist with a love for music. As the Youth Ambassador for the Indian Cancer Society, I believe in the importance of equitable access to healthcare for women belonging to underserved communities and am an eager advocate for the eradication of cervical cancer in India. Having completed the IB Diploma Program, I am an incoming freshman at Cornell University. I enjoy performing a wide variety of songs, from Broadway classics to Italian arias. In my free time, you may find me immersed in literature ranging from classics to dystopian thrillers.
I am the recipient of the Round Square 2024 Kurt Hahn’s Prize for my work in raising awareness on cancer. The award recognises an exceptional act of service undertaken by students from over 250 Round Square schools in 50 countries.
Community Leadership
As the Youth Ambassador for the Indian Cancer Society and an intern for two years, I helped develop and market a proposal to screen 5,000 women for cervical cancer. I helped the Indian Cancer Society receive Rs. 1.53 crore for the project from PNB Gilts. As of March 31, 24, in the initial six months, the funds raised have had a substantial impact on local communities of underserved women. A total of 1,544 women have been screened for cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and ENT related cancers.
In addition, I volunteered at cancer screening camps, helping raise awareness amongst patients about the symptoms of cancer and details of the various tests available. I volunteered at the Prashanti Palliative Care Centre, spending time with young children recovering from cancer. Furthermore, I started my own business, CanFree, successfully manufacturing 160 breast prostheses for patients recovering from mastectomy. I donated these to the Prashanti centre, for further distribution to women in need of prosthesis. In addition, I have also made a sale of 1,152 prosthetic bras worth Rs.1,62,086, and have obtained an annual contract for 1080 sets.
I recorded 8 podcasts on the risks and treatment options for cervical cancer. Also, I recorded a radio talk on the stigma surrounding cervical cancer, which was aired on the national radio and heard by 3 million individuals. In addition, I recorded eight videos on the ways in which to prevent and treat cervical cancer for the Indian Cancer Society’s cancer awareness mobile application.
I started with volunteering at cancer Screening Camps and the Palliative Care center, Prashanti
I helped develop and market a proposal to screen 5000 women for cervical cancer. The proposal, which contained a request for Rs. 1.53 crores or US$ 185,000, was finally accepted by PNB Gilts.
To fulfil my vision of a “Cancer Mukt Jeevan” or “Cancer Free Life”, I started manufacturing breast prosthesis and bras myself with the aim of helping as many breast cancer patients as possible
MY PARTNERS
