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.
Tanner Pharma Group will serve as the title sponsor for The Max Foundation’s 2018 campaign “Max Global Experience: Uganda,” an expedition to raise awareness and funds for increased cancer treatment access in Africa.
The Max Foundation and Cepheid have renewed and expanded their collaboration to increase access to molecular diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The Max Foundation is thrilled to welcome longtime advisor, Dr. Jerald Radich of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute into the Executive Board. Dr. Radich has been a guiding star in our innovative work for many years helping people face cancer with dignity and hope, especially in the area of improving access to critical diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries.
