Harsha Mirchandani knows a thing or two about sandwiches—and not the kind you eat. As a member of the “sandwich generation,” caring for both aging parents and a teenage son, Harsha brings a unique perspective to her role on the board.

Her journey with MMC began when her mother became a patient. “I had lost faith in medicine,” Harsha admits. “I felt like doctors were just going through the motions. But at MMC, you’re a human being. The team cares about the patient and their whole family. MMC puts humanity back into medicine.”

Her belief in MMC’s mission inspired Harsha to join the board. “I’ve served on several boards, and I enjoy the collaboration around a shared cause. Joining MMC’s board is a natural fit, as I’m so deeply entrenched in the caregiving years! I think MMC’s family-focused approach should be the standard for every practice and I’m proud to help spread the word.”

Parenting a teen has informed Harsha’s approach to supporting her mom. “I want my son to know I believe he can do what he needs to do. But he knows he can come to me if he needs help. The same applies to my parents. I used to do a lot of everyday tasks for my parents, but that doesn’t empower them – it actually disables them. Now I support them by letting them ask for help. Supporting my parents – and my son! - while facilitating their independence is a delicate balance.”

Harsha credits MMC and especially Dr. Iyer for guiding her caregiving journey. “Whether they realize it or not, MMC has made me more confident in my decisions. My mom is more independent than she’s been in years. That’s a direct result of the heart and care MMC puts into everything they do.”

More than anything, Harsha wants people to understand that patients are so much more than their diagnosis. “My mom says, ‘I have Parkinson’s, but that’s not who I am.’ She’s a person—and MMC never forgets that.”