Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shock for Yeshi, a farmer from a small village in Bhutan. Her mother passed away from breast cancer, which was already advanced when it was discovered.
“I was terrified, remembering the pain my mother had endured,” she said. “However, I also felt a sense of relief knowing I had the chance to get the help I needed.”
The first sign was a small lump in Yeshi’s breast. However, she wasn’t a big fan of hospitals, so it took her a while to build up the courage and get tested. From there, she had to move away from her village and start treatment. It was an emotionally taxing
experience.
However, Yeshi received plenty of support from her government and her doctor, and The Max Foundation is providing access to the medication she needs to feel better – free of charge.
“Before my diagnosis, I avoided hospitals,” she said. “Now, I believe in the importance of utilizing healthcare facilities to the fullest. My experience has shown me that with the right treatment, even the most challenging health battles can be overcome.”
Having access to treatment allows Yeshi to continue working, and she has more time to spend with her spouse and friends. She’s thankful for all the support.
“Turning 52 this year has made me realize how precious life is,” Yeshi said. “Being a farmer is hard work, but I’m determined to do what I love. I’m also grateful to continue receiving treatment and follow-ups. The medications I’m taking have helped me regain my strength, even though I can’t do as much heavy lifting as I used to.”
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring life-extending treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 100,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope.
Get a never before seen look at the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) program in Tanzania! Over 20 years ago, we partnered with local healthcare professionals to provide treatment access for people living with cancer – at no cost to them, for as long as they need it. Africa Region Head Cathy Scheepers takes you to….
In all these years, through all of the struggle and emotional upheaval of her diagnosis, Hira remained her active and busy self. She never missed her daily routine of the wharf and the bazaar, nor did she let her work and routine come in the way of her managing her CML.
All of us at The Max Foundation are wholly committed to maximizing every opportunity to collaborate and build new partnerships on behalf of the patients we serve in low resource settings. We are excited to move onward to a new chapter with innovative opportunities to expand our impact. We hope you will see a place for yourself to join us in this effort to close the cancer divide!
