Dr. Alpana Sharma is one of India’s most influential voices in rare disease advocacy, dedicated to empowering families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). As the founder and trustee of the Cure SMA Foundation of India, she has been a pioneering force in initiating and advancing SMA-related initiatives across the country. Under her leadership, the foundation has championed nationwide efforts in awareness, early diagnosis, access to life-changing therapies, counselling support, and policy engagement—ensuring that patient voices are heard, valued, and central to healthcare decision-making. A strong believer in education and informed advocacy, Dr. Sharma holds a triple master’s degree, including an M.Phil and M.A. in political science from Delhi University and an MBA from Amity Business School. She further strengthened her commitment to patient-centric healthcare by completing a PG Diploma in Patient Advocacy from SP Jain Institute of Management. Currently serving as Director of Patient Advocacy, Dr. Sharma combines academic depth, policy insight, and lived experience to drive meaningful change. Her journey is deeply personal—she is the mother of 13-year-old Aarav Sharma, who is living with the rare genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This experience fuels her unwavering mission to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable healthcare ecosystem for all rare disease families in India