Having a strong support system can make a world of difference for people living with cancer. That includes friends, family, and the dedicated healthcare professionals who partner with The Max Foundation.
For Marina from Kyrgyzstan, the medical team at the National Oncology Center are pillars of strength and support. She was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 2017 and now receives diagnostic tests and medication free of charge through our program.
Marina said her team is encouraging and that her care is meticulous. They helped her find hope during her toughest times.
“Every visit to the Centre is not just a medical appointment; it’s a celebration of life and progress,” she said. “Meeting with my physicians feels like receiving a precious gift. Since 2018, I have embraced each day as if it were a holiday, finding joy in the simplest moments and cherishing the support surrounding me.”
Once during a routine checkup while Marina was nervously waiting for test results, Dr. Gavrilenko shared a story about how her laboratory team saved a rare Kyrgyzstani breed of apples from extinction. Marina said it filled the room with hope and helped calm her down.
Now, Marina said she and other patients aren’t just surviving – they’re thriving and celebrating every moment.
“On behalf of my family and our resilient group of patients, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to The Max Foundation,” she said. “Your unwavering support in providing us with life-saving drugs and test systems has been a lifeline. You have given us more than just medicine; you have given us the gift of life, hope, and the courage to dream again.”
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.
Max, today we remember you on the anniversary of your birthday. October 19th is, and forever will be your day, Max’s Day. Today is a day filled with joy, love, and hope; a day we celebrate your life and honor your spirit, still shining bright through so many people in all corners of the world…..
Dr. Jayasree Iyer, Executive Director of the Access to Medicine Foundation (ATMF), sits down with The Max Foundation and answers seven questions about the Access to Medicine Index, emerging trends in treatment access, and the role of collaborative access initiatives in treating chronic diseases.
When Onward was first diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), he spent many sleepless nights thinking about his future. Now, 11 years later, he advocates and provides support for other people going through the same thing. “I am now living a normal life and enjoying my cycling, and gardening, and forgetting about CML, I only….
