Affiliated Patient Groups
Every year, The Max Foundation welcomes patient groups as partners on initiatives,
from the annual art project to the Global Cancer Awareness Campaign. Groups listed
in this section are key collaborators and many also have the in-person support of
our advocates based in their home country.
Click on the groups’ links for inspiration, to establish local connections and to
learn more about their amazing activities around the world!
Azerbaijan - Fighting Against Leukemia
Fighting Against Leukemia Azerbaijan was organized to raise awareness and knowledge
about Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in our community involving informational public events
and activities for patients and their families. Leykemiya-az is an independent and
vital virtual community for leukemia patients, their families and caregivers in
Azerbaijan. The website provides information about different forms of the disease,
about treatment options and a lot of background information necessary to talk to
a patient's physician of choice. This is the first website about the blood cancer
in Azerbaijani language which provides educational support to patients by translating
and reporting the necessary information on leukemia and latest news about new research
publications and various treatment options for the disease.
Website: www.leykemiya-az.com
Cameroon - Association Solidarité Chimiothérapie / Solidarity Chemotherapy (SOCHIMIO)
SOCHIMIO is defined as an NGO (NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION) of reflection, action
and solidarity which works to take care of cancer patients in Cameroon.
La SOCHIMIO (Solidarité Chimiothérapie) se définit comme une ONG de réflexion, d'action
et de solidarité qui œuvre pour la prise en charge des malades du cancer au Cameroun.
Website: www.sochimio.com
Dominican Republic - Un Paso Max
"Un Paso Max" is a nonprofit organization in Dominican Republic that started in
2008 with the goal to provide support, education and information to patients and
families with GIST and CML. The patient group Un Paso Max started as an initiative
of a small group of patients that have been blessed by the international program
GIPAP, created by Novartis Pharma and administered by The Max Foundation.
"Un Paso Max" es un grupo sin fines de lucro de República Dominicana que inició
en el 2008 con el objetivo de dar apoyo y orientación sobre la Leucemia y el Cáncer
Gastrointestinal (GIST) a personas (pacientes y familiares) que requieran informaciones
sobre estas enfermedades. Surge como iniciativa de varios pacientes que ya han sido
favorecidos por el programa internacional GIPAP, creado por Novartis Phama y The
Max Foundation.
Blog: www.unpasomax.wordpress.com
HI5:unpasomax.hi5.com
Twitter:twitter.com/unpasomax
Sonico:www.sonico.com/unpasomax
El Salvador- Asociación Amor a la Vida
“Asociación Amor a la Vida" was born as a hope for populations affected by leukemia
in El Salvador. Established in 2007, the group received legal status in the Official
Newspapers published on May 29, 2008. The group objective is to help, protect and
improve quality of life in patients who are diagnosed with certain type of leukemia.
The group aims to be pioneers in creating the First Cytogenetic Lab in El Salvador,
which will be available for all populations within the country that suffer from
leukemia. One project is to build a hostel which will serve patients and families
with limited resources, as a place where they can have accommodation, since most
of them reside in the countryside and move to San Salvador for treatment or hospitalization.
The Love of Life Association, as it is called in English, is committed to helping
patients and families by establishing a channel of direct communication in the various
Assistance Centers to the public network so that patients can receive personalized
attention and access to quality equipment and specialists. This is especially important
in the Hospital Rosales, which serves almost 80% of the population affected by the
disease.
Website: www.amoralavida.webs.com
India - Friends of Max (FOM)
Friends of Max is a patient group with chapters all across India. The original chapter
was born out of people living with blood cancer and GIST and their families who
emailed together through a Yahoo Group and, after so much enjoyment, started having
regular gatherings. Today, Friends of Max continues to have local events in each
of the 12 cities, but also comes together annually for an All India Patient Gathering
with as many as 1000 guests in attendance.
Chapters across India: Mumbai, Kolkota, Delhi, Chennai, Kerala, Hyderabad, Chandigarh,
Amedabad, Bangalore, Pune, Jaipur and Patna.
Website: www.friendsofmax.info
Kenya - Henzo GIPAP Kenya
Henzo GIPAP Kenya was created with the mission of providing support in the region
for Leukemia and GIST patients, care givers and the general public through Community
Education, Empowerment and Social Networking
The group’s vision is to create public awareness about Leukemia & GIST and to advocate
for affordable and proper diagnosis and treatment
Website: www.henzogipapkenya.or.ke
Malaysia - Max Family
Formed in July 2006 by local CML patients, Max Family aims to make a difference
in the lives of people living with CML by helping them to overcome challenges and
improve their quality of life. Max Family supports and helps CML patients by providing
information on CML, focusing on the emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease
and advising on various job opportunities (which could help improve patients’ financial
status). This support group also promotes self-empowerment and advocacy among patients,
care givers and their family members.
Blog: www.mymaxfamily.blogspot.com
Mauritius - The Leukaemia Foundation Mauritius
Founded January 16, 2006, The Leukaemia Foundation Mauritius (TLF) is an NGO affiliated
with The Francoise Babet Leukaemia Foundation Inc Melbourne, Australia. The Leukaemia
Foundation has as mission to assist any person diagnosed with leukemia or other
blood related disease by supporting families, organizing fund raising activities
to benefit leukemia patient and collaborate with other organizations engaged in
similar activities in Mauritius.
Contact: tlf.mtius@gmail.com
Mexico - Asociacion Mexicana de Leucemia y GIST (AMELEG)
The group was formed in 2006 in Mexico City by local patients diagnosed with CML
and GIST and caregivers. The mission was to support and empower each other in order
to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. In October of 2008 the group
was legally recognized by the government and registered. The group organizes monthly
meeting where the participants get a chance to share their stories and experiences.
Usual guests, local physicians, answers questions regarding diagnosis and treatments
and a group of psychologist are available to answer questions about emotional and
mental concerns of patients and caregivers. Today they have chapters in Mexico City,
Guadalajara, Tapachula and Monterrey.
Website: www.ameleg.org.mx
Pakistan - Kiran
Kiran, meaning Ray of Hope, was established in Pakistan in 2009. The group is comprised
of patients, caregivers and volunteers with chapters in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
Kiran’s objective is to provide support and volunteerism on behalf of blood cancer
and rare cancer patients.
Website: Facebook Page
Philippines - Touched By MAX
Glivec has touched the lives of CML and GIST patients, families and friends. Cognizant
of the gift of Glivec providing one with enhanced and extended time to lead fulfilling
lives, the core group of patients responding to the call to organized the First
Anniversary of GIPAP (Glivec International Patient Assistance Program) event in
the Philippines in February 2004 and called themselves, D’GIPAP Pinoys, CML and
GIST Cancer Warriors’ Touched by Max. The logo representing the group name was conceptualized
and inspired by Michelangelo’s “Creation” of Divine Intervention, GIPAP as an instrument
and conduit of His blessings shall catalyze the recipients and families to likewise
give back and pass on the spark, rippling through the waters and hopefully making
waves of differences.
Website: touchedbymax.weebly.com/
Russia - Sodeystvie
Sodeystvie
is an independent nonprofit organization, supporting patients with oncological and
onco-hematological diseases. Sodeystvie was established in 2007 at the initiative
of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The main mission of the organization
is association and assistance for patients with CML.
Website: www.sodeystvie-cml.ru
Russia - AdVita
AdVita
was established in 2002 to help children and adults diagnosed with cancer. In the
modern world, cancer is no longer a death sentence. Up to 80% of patients can be
healed. However, the treatment requires advanced medications and latest methods
of testing and therapy. In our country, many of these medications, tests and therapies
are very expensive. The goal of AdVita Fund is to help bring these costly treatments
to as many patients as possible. We want to make sure that our patients' lives depend
not on their financial situation, but on progress of modern medicine.
Website: www.advita.ru/en
Blog: community.livejournal.com/advita_ru/
Russia - Nastenka Charitable Foundation
"Nastenka"
charitable foundation was founded in February of 2002 with the support and assistance
of the Children Oncology and Haematology Research Institute at the Russian Oncological
Scientific Centre at the Russian Medical Academy on the initiative of people from
various countries, united in their wish to help sick kids.
Website: www.nastenka.ru
Blog: community.livejournal.com/fond_nastenka
Sierra Leone- Crusaders Club Ministry Palliative Care
Crusaders Club Ministry Sierra Leone works with the marginalized and underprivileged
individuals especially women, HIV/AIDS patients, Cancer patients, youths, elders,
children, adults and the disabled through community development initiatives leading
to self sufficiency such as agriculture, skills training, income generating activities,
peace building, palliative care, cancer prevention and control.
Contact: crusadersclubministrysierraleone@yahoo.co.uk
Thailand - MaxSmiles
MaxSmiles was founded in October 2007 in Bangkok. The group started with 30 CML
and GIST patients and caregivers and has grown to up to 90 participants in the October
2009 Celebration of Life event. Their goal was to meet, share, advise, encourage
and provide support to other patients and caregivers. MaxSmiles meets every first
Saturday of the month at Xavier Hall, Bangkok. They have also established the MaxSmiles
Newsletter, providing news & information to group members who live outside the city.
Website: www.maxsmiles.org
Uzbekistan - CML Patient Association
The CML Patient Association Uzbekistan was established in 2009. The main mission
of the group is to provide emotional and informational support for patients people
living with CML and GIST. Our goal is to make sure that everyone diagnosed with
cancer has access to qualified specialists and best treatment.
Website: www.uzbekistangroup.ucoz.org
Venezuela - ASAPHE
ASAPHE ~ Association of Help for Hemato-oncological Patients, is a non governmental,
non profit civil association of people living with CML and GIST. It started activities
as a group of patients in March 2003 and became legallyrecognized on August 5, 2004,
with the objective of promoting integral attention to affected individuals, offering
them information in regards to their illness and available treatments. The mission
is to support people with hemato-oncological illnesses and GIST to help them maintain
their quality of life and be integrated into society.
Website: www.asaphe.org.ve
Vietnam - Max Vie
Max’s Vie was formed in October 2008 by local CML patients in Vietnam. We started
with only 4 patients. After the second anniversary observing the Celebration of
Life, our group has grown to 15 patients and caregivers. Max’s Vie aims to meet
and share information on CML, its therapy, medication and patient care. Together
we encourage and support one another, thereby improving our patients' quality of
life. Max’s Vie meets annually and quarterly.
Website: Facebook Page