March 9 marks the devastating anniversary of the day my stepson Max died after a three-year battle with cancer. Max was 17 years old. I have dedicated most of the last 34 years to galvanizing the global community to help families avoid the suffering of the premature loss of their loved one. In the process, a thriving global network of people helping people emerged as a beacon of hope and light. The work we do at The Max Foundation elevates the common humanity and interconnectedness among all of us, no matter where we live. We are one, we long for the same, we need each other.
This year, March 9 finds us navigating difficult times yet unwilling to accept a global current that wants to convince us to focus on ourselves and ignore those most vulnerable among us.
While trying to find my footing, a news article published recently resonated with me and reminded me that our capacity to act with humanity is still intact. Today my feelings can be summarized in one short message: this is not the time to be a goldfish. I invite you to read my editorial, published in Devex, and share widely.
Pat Garcia-Gonzalez is the CEO of The Max Foundation. Under Pat’s direction The Max Foundation is dedicated to accelerating health equity by delivering medication, technology, and services to patients facing cancer and other critical illnesses, focusing our energy on those who no one else is helping. Pat lives in Edmonds, Washington, where she raised her four sons.
We are delighted to announce that Bryan Murphy-Eustis, MBA, MPH, is joining The Max Foundation’s Executive Team as Vice President of Programs. Bryan joins the team with more than 18 years of experience building and leading high-impact mission-driven teams, most recently as Commercialization Lead for Medical Technologies at Global Good at Intellectual Ventures. Previously he….
Watch webinar on “Overcoming Barriers to Pediatric Cancer Care in Nepal” Last October I had the privilege of visiting Patan Hospital in Nepal on behalf of The Max Foundation. Right then, I knew I would dedicate my next birthday to supporting people in need of cancer treatment in the country by covering the cost of diagnostics….
Join us at the iCMLf Forum for Physicians from Emerging Economic Regions on December 8th at ASH.
