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.
Today, Spot On CML is active in 19 countries and, on June 29th, 17 patients were chosen by the treating physicians at Philippine General Hospital to take part in the program. While CML testing is available in the Philippines, it’s prohibitively expensive – placing critical diagnostic information out of reach for many patients.
The Max Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Wilma Comenat as Vice President of Development of The Max Foundation. Wilma has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector leading development teams and driving major donor fundraising initiatives. Her previous roles include the Associate Executive Director of JDRF Greater Northwest, Regional Director of Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.’s Pacific Northwest region, and Deputy Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
