How You Can Celebrate My Birthday and Support People Facing Cancer Around the World

How You Can Celebrate My Birthday and Support People Facing Cancer Around the World

Every year, I celebrate my birthday in a special way – I invite my friends and family to give to The Max Foundation in lieu of gifts to me. I believe in the work we do so deeply, that I can think of no greater way to celebrate my birthday than to donate it to the organization I have committed my life to. This year is no different, and as long as getting one year older was inevitable, I have proudly increased my target to raising a minimum of $5,800; $100 for each year of my life!

The work we do at The Max Foundation can be broken down into three parts: First, we aim to help patients gain access to life-saving treatment. Second, we develop education and support services for patients so they can maximize their lives despite their disease. Finally, we provide a platform for those survivors who decide to become advocates for others and represent the needs of people living with cancer in their community.

The Max Foundation is patient-centric at its core. We believe that every life is worth saving; that access to treatment, care, and support is an investment in the community, and a partnership with each patient. To understand the passion of The Max Foundation’s team, it is important to realize that each of our patients is our best friend; they are part of our family. We have shared our lives with each other for more than 15 years, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to support them.

So today, as my birthday is once again upon me, I ask for your help by making a monetary gift anytime until my birthday, July 28th through my Crowdrise page. Help me surpass my goal of raising $5,800 and show people facing cancer that they are not alone.

And if you are inspired to donate your own birthday, feel free to contact me directly; I will tell you how this simple act turns your birthday upside down and makes your life a thousand times more meaningful.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Pat

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.

Related Articles

  • Un Paso Max: Going the Extra Mile in the Dominican Republic

    Un Paso Max: Going the Extra Mile in the Dominican Republic

    Un Paso Max, meaning “Un Paso Mas” (One More Step) is a fitting name for a group led by cancer survivors who are willing to take an extra step to help others. Un Paso Max is the name of the CML and GIST patient association in the Dominican Republic. One can trace the origins of this group to a small meeting in 2008. It only took a bit of encouragement and support on the part of The Max Foundation to unlock the passion of a handful of courageous survivors in Santo Domingo, and the seed of a patient association was planted.

  • Stories from the Frontlines of Cancer | Maximize Life Campaign 2016

    Stories from the Frontlines of Cancer | Maximize Life Campaign 2016

    Antonia was three years old when she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and 4 years old when she attended her first Maximize Life Campaign event in Nicaragua. Her mother’s testimony inspired everyone present, but what was most surprising was the testimony that followed – Antonia’s: “Hello, my name is Antonia, and I am happy to be here!” After getting to know her, every member of Alas de Vida adopted Antonia as their own example to follow. She became The Princess, the little warrior who spreads optimism in the group.

  • I am a Spartan – Thilip’s Story

    I am a Spartan – Thilip’s Story

    Being a patient or I better call myself and others as a Spartan, someone who is fighting for something each and every day.” –Thilip Kumar Ragavan

    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.