I am Shalini, working for The Max Foundation from my home office at Madurai, India. Through my work, I come across a lot of incidents that make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in our work. Allow me to share one such incident.
It was windy evening and I was with a friend going to a nearby vegetable market on a local bus. My friend asked, “What kind of service do you do at The Max Foundation?” So I started sharing in a very loud voice as I rarely get a chance to express my happiness for the work we do!
Suddenly, I noticed a man sitting just opposite to me staring at me. I thought he was annoyed at my loud voice. so I reduced my volume and kept on talking with my friend. While explaining, my eyes went towards the man. Again I noticed he was keenly listening to our conversation.
Finally the stop came! I got down with my friend and took 10 steps.
I heard a voice behind me calling “Madam, madam!” When I turned back I saw the same man calling me. My mind started thinking many things like “Did I miss my purse or mobile on the bus?” He moved towards me. I addressed him, ‘Anna’ means Brother in Tamil. He said “Dear madam! I just got down to thank you for the service you do. I was listening to the conversation and I know The Max Foundation very well. My friend gets medicine with your help.”
He shared his own story of The Max Foundation’s work:
It was 8 years ago, when this stranger was working with Tamilnadu Electricity Board and befriended a work colleague in Madurai.
One day his friend came with a sad news that he had chronic myeloid leukemia.
His friend lost all hope and was very depressed. But after consulting with a physician at Adayar Cancer Center, Chennai, and with the help of The Max Foundation, he was able to access his life-saving treatment. Now, this patient is still in our program and works with his physician to adhere to his medication. It was great to hear that the patient is doing well and is regular in his checkups.
I must say, after the conversation with this stranger, I had goosebumps. I was feeling very proud to be a member of the Max team!
I must mention my special gratitude towards the patient’s friend for getting down from the bus just to thanks us. His story made my day – a day to remember and cherish all my life.
Shalini Subramanian is a Local Program Coordinator in India.
The Max Foundation is proud to announce CEO, Pat Garcia-Gonzalez as the recipient of the National Cancer Institute Global Cancer Medicine Humanitarian Award at the U.S. National Cancer Institute 3rd Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research held in Boston on 25 March 2015.
Three years ago I made a decision that changed my life: to donate my birthday to support the work of The Max Foundation for as long as I have birthdays to come. Ever since I have been involved with The Max Foundation, every day I am witness to the courage of people faced with cancer, the generosity of spirit of those who become patient leaders, and the dedication of healthcare providers around the world. Join me today by honoring their efforts on my birthday, July 28th.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has been hosting the World Cancer Congress each year since 1933. This year it was held in Malaysia – the first time in South East Asia.
