Parvathy Krishnan Joins GCCA
We are pleased to announce that Parvathy Krishnan has joined the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) as Program Director in 2026.
Experience in Patient Advocacy and Community Engagement
Parvathy brings extensive experience in patient engagement, advocacy leadership, and community building, with a particular focus on cancer and rare diseases. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of patient communities, healthcare providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to advance patient-centered initiatives around the world.
As Executive Director and Founder of the Krishnan Family Foundation, an organization she established to provide resources and support to families affected by Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD) and related rare diseases, Parvathy has championed programs that raise global awareness of CMMRD in the medical community, encourage and support the medical and scientific community’s research in finding effective treatments, and provide information and direct support services to families affected by CMMRD. Her work spans continents and cultures, bringing attention to patient and caregiver experiences with cancer in communities that have historically been underserved.
Parvathy has served as Director at the Global Advocacy Alliance with Global Genes, where she supported 800 rare disease organizations worldwide, and as Director of Patient Engagement at the Rare Disease Innovations Institute. She currently serves on the boards of Rare Diseases International and the Undiagnosed Disease Network Foundation and works as a Patient Advocate with SickKids in Toronto.
Her clinical background as a dietitian in oncology and critical care at Duke University Health System adds valuable perspective on the healthcare challenges patients and families navigate.
A Personal Connection to Advocacy
Parvathy is herself a previvor, caregiver and patient advocate. This lived experience informs her work and aligns with GCCA's values and approach to advocacy. Her fluency in multiple languages—Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil—reflects her commitment to reaching diverse communities and ensuring advocacy work is inclusive and accessible.
Supporting GCCA's Global Programs
In her role as Program Director, Parvathy helps guide GCCA's portfolio of initiatives. Her global perspective and experience building connections between patients, healthcare systems, and policy makers support our work as we continue expanding our reach and impact.
We are excited to be working with Parvathy to advance our mission of improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected by colorectal cancer worldwide.