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. Thousands of delegates from around the world convened in Kuala Lumpur, “to unite the cancer community, reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and integrate cancer into the world’s health and development agenda.”
The Max Foundation was an active participant:
Side-by-side with other internationally recognized leaders, Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, CEO, shared Max’s 20-year-history in “Uncovering the Stories Behind the Leaders.”
Erin Schwartz, VP of Global Engagement, presented on the importance of including patient perspectives in “Global Equity of Cancer Care.”
Ong Mei Ching, Region Head Asia Pacific, conveyed the importance of patient-centricity in “Best Practice Patient Advocacy in Asia Pacific.”
We attended the World Cancer Congress to raise awareness for our core mission – access to cancer treatment – and how to achieve it through our patient-centered model, Max Access Solutions.
We have received overwhelming responses from key members of the UICC, counterpart organizations, cancer survivors, advocates, doctors, and healthcare providers.
At this prestigious event – empowered by more than 3,000 leaders, cancer and health experts from 139 countries, and more than 85 years of history – our own Pat Garcia-Gonzalez was honored with the CEO Award. The award was given in recognition of The Max Foundation’s leadership and drive to mobilize people and build partnerships across sectors and borders, transforming a grassroots organization into an international movement impacting the tens of thousands of lives worldwide.
Below are some of the quotes we received:
“Max: making Maximum impact in the lives of so many.” Dr. Anil D’Cruz, President-elect, UICC; Director Tata Memorial Hospital, India“Access to treatment is access to HOPE.” Dr. Eduardo Cazap, Board Member, UICC; Founder of Latin American & Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology“The closeness of UICC and The Max Foundation goals is clear – UICC calling for Treatment for All and Max brings a focus to access to treatment and life!” Julie Torode, Director Special Projects, UICC
“Cancer patients in the US, in Europe, in Asia, in Nigeria are the same cancer patients. The only difference is where they live. The advocacy should get through to everyone and the treatment should be affordable to everyone.” Mr. Runcie C. W. Chidebe, Winner of World Cancer Day Spirit Award of UICC; Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE – Health & Psychological Trust Centre, Nigeria
“I have been following The Max Foundation through the website. Max has done great works in giving support to individuals living with cancer. How do I describe Max in one word? Passionate!” Dr. Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Head of Professional Development and Scientific Research of Qatar Cancer Society, Qatar
“The Max Foundation is extraordinary and courageous despite the difficult environment. There are not many organization that can provide such niche supports to cancer communities. I would like to explore the opportunity of collaborating with Max to bring more benefits to cancer patients in Nigera.” Professor Sani Abubakar Malami, President and CEO of Nigerian Cancer Society, Nigeria
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 27 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.
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A Partnership Bound by Mission, Innovation, and History
At The Max Foundation, we believe in the power of individuals to make a difference, especially when it comes to health equity. Over the years, we’ve been privileged to work alongside some amazing people in both the public and private sectors – people who have moved mountains to help patients around the world face cancer with dignity and hope. We also believe in working closely with organizations whose mission and values align with our own.
Gratitude for Our Global Community
During this Thanksgiving holiday in the US, we take time to reflect and give thanks with family and friends. We extend a most heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, our global team, and community. Each of you is part of our patients’ journey, and we are thankful for your support and friendship. We look forward to continuing our journey together, and hope you will continue to follow our patients’ journeys in the coming year.
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