Meet Nur Iklil! She’s been with The Max Foundation since 2023, working as a Program Coordinator in our Asia and Eastern Europe region. Learn more about why she started with the organization, what her work week looks like, and a special memory she had with a patient.
What drew you to join The Max Foundation, and why does our mission resonate with you?
I was drawn to join The Max Foundation because of the opportunity to contribute to a mission that truly changes lives. Knowing that more patients can benefit from the work we do makes this role especially meaningful to me.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
There is a patient who is very close to me. She is 73 years old and incredibly caring. Whenever we speak on the phone, she gives me advice just like a mother would. Her kindness touches me deeply and often reminds me of my own mother back in my hometown.
Describe a typical work week
If you could describe The Max Foundation in three words, what would they be?
Compassionate, impactful, and hopeful.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
The ability to understand and speak any language.
What languages do you speak?
Bahasa Melayu and English
What do you love most about where you live?
Malaysia is rich in vibrant traditions and incredible food, with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Most of all, I love the warmth and friendliness of the people.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy staying active through outdoor activities such as hiking and running.
What’s your favorite food?
Malaysian food, especially Nasi Lemak and Asam Pedas.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be?
Siti Nurhaliza, a famous singer in Malaysia.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
Eid al-Fitr. It is a joyful celebration that brings families together to reconnect and spend meaningful time with one another.
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.
Access to healthcare is fundamental for cancer patients to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. According to ResearchGate, the average distance a person living in an under-resourced country travels to access healthcare is 15 miles (25 km) one-way or 30 miles (50km) roundtrip. Patients accessing treatment through The Max Foundation travel even further – an average….
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We first met Thilip Kumar Ragavan in May 2014. He was a young chronic myeloid leukemia Spartan in the patient workshop at Hospital Ampang and was newly diagnosed with CML at that time, but the smile never left his face. Bright, vibrant, energetic, and positive – that’s Thilip.
