Meet the Max Team – Ashika

Meet the Max Team – Ashika

Meet Ashika! She’s been with The Max Foundation for almost 14 years, working as a program officer in India. Learn more about why she started with Max, what she enjoys about her job, and a special memory she had with a patient.

When did you start with The Max Foundation, and why were you interested in working here?
I started with The Max Foundation in September 2011. I was drawn to the organization because of its mission to help cancer patients access life-saving medications and to create spaces where they can connect, share their experiences, and support one another. That purpose deeply resonated with me, and I felt a strong desire to be part of something so impactful and meaningful.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and help build a strong, supportive community. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how these connections can ease the sense of isolation and empower patients in their journey.

What is a special memory you have with patients?
One special memory that stands out is from a Patient Support Group meeting, where a patient I had only interacted with over the phone came up to me with a smile and said how happy she was to finally meet the voice that had always listened and supported her. She thanked me for being there through her cancer journey. That simple, heartfelt moment reminded me how powerful and meaningful human connection can be, even over a phone call.

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.

Related Articles

  • Reflections Following the Loss of a Beloved Cancer Advocate

    Reflections Following the Loss of a Beloved Cancer Advocate

    The passing of our dear friend, advocate and colleague Ferdinand, has shaken the close-knit global chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) community. CML, a rare form of leukemia that used to be fatal, now is treated with innovative targeted therapies commonly referred to as TKIs. There has been unprecedented global access to these TKIs and this has fostered the development of one of the strongest global patient communities for a rare cancer. Ferdinand, from Nairobi, Kenya, was a loved member of this community.

  • Colors of Hope in The Lancet Oncology

    Colors of Hope in The Lancet Oncology

    At The Max Foundation, increasing global access to treatment for people around the world living with cancer is a core element of our mission. But access to treatment is only one piece in helping all people facing cancer live with dignity and hope. Fostering care and support for patients processing the hardships of cancer is essential.

  • Gratitude for Our Global Community

    Gratitude for Our Global Community

    During this Thanksgiving holiday in the US, we take time to reflect and give thanks with family and friends. We extend a most heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, our global team, and community. Each of you is part of our patients’ journey, and we are thankful for your support and friendship. We look forward to continuing our journey together, and hope you will continue to follow our patients’ journeys in the coming year.