Day 1: Starting the trip in Phnom Penh, a special visit to our partner hospital of 19 years Mercy Medical Center brought guests together with physicians and patients benefiting from The Max Foundation’s programs. Afterwards, the group learned about the rich history of Cambodia on a rainy tour of the Royal Palace. The day was capped off with a riverside dinner along the banks of the Mekong, where patients and physician partners joined to share their moving stories and plans for the future.

Day 2: A very special day as the group visited Hebron Medical Center in Phnom Penh. There they witnessed Max CEO Pat Garcia-Gonzalez and Hebron Director Kian Bae sign a Memorandum of Understanding to begin a new partnership to treat advanced breast cancer. Afterwards the group hit the road, driving several hours to the province of Kampong Thom. Turning down a rural road along the way, guests met a very special Max patient – Thorn Kimthouck – and his family on his award-winning rice farm.

Day 3: This day began with a visit to the ancient Prasat Sambo Prey Kuk Temple Complex, led by Khan Bunthan, a Max patient and tour guide (watch his moving story here). Afterward, the group enjoyed a scenic boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia) from the floating village of Kampong Kleang, before driving on to Siem Reap.

Day 4: Rising before dawn, the group started this day with a special visit to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise. With Bunthan sharing his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives, guests enjoyed exploring the largest religious structure in the world. Later in the day, the temple tour continued alongside patients to Ta Prohm, an ancient structure overtaken by the jungle. That evening guests continued to visit with patients over dinner while enjoying a traditional Aspara Dance show in Siem Reap.

Day 5: The final day of the journey brought patients and guests together one last time for a symbolic hike to the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen, where they were greeted by a beautiful waterfall and famous reclining Buddha statue. Patients shared their experiences and barriers to accessing treatment in underserved communities. These stories left guests with a lasting impression of the impact that The Max Foundation has on patients’ lives in Cambodia and around the world.