Meet Ashika! She’s been with The Max Foundation for almost 14 years, working as a program officer in India. Learn more about why she started with Max, what she enjoys about her job, and a special memory she had with a patient.
When did you start with The Max Foundation, and why were you interested in working here?
I started with The Max Foundation in September 2011. I was drawn to the organization because of its mission to help cancer patients access life-saving medications and to create spaces where they can connect, share their experiences, and support one another. That purpose deeply resonated with me, and I felt a strong desire to be part of something so impactful and meaningful.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and help build a strong, supportive community. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how these connections can ease the sense of isolation and empower patients in their journey.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
One special memory that stands out is from a Patient Support Group meeting, where a patient I had only interacted with over the phone came up to me with a smile and said how happy she was to finally meet the voice that had always listened and supported her. She thanked me for being there through her cancer journey. That simple, heartfelt moment reminded me how powerful and meaningful human connection can be, even over a phone call.
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.
I have learned that the pain in the heart and soul is deep and will always be there. The ‘bucket’ has a hole, and even when you dedicate every day of your life to making sure other families don’t have to live with this pain, the bucket will never be filled. I have also learned….
Each year I am humbled by the extraordinary work and dedication of our 68 Max Global Network partners, hailing from over 50 countries around the world, that tirelessly dedicate their time and resources to improving the lives of people living with cancer worldwide. I would like to take moment to acknowledge just a few of….
The Indian subcontinent has always been characterized by the stoic inner strength of its population that has helped them overcome natural and man-made disasters that seem to always be lying in wait for them. Burdened by their large populations, poor economy and the inept administration of their largely unstable governments, it has fallen upon the people to come to their own rescue.
And it is not so different for their health either. Besides the share of debilitating infectious diseases, many are facing a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer. The challenges here go beyond funding. There is fear, denial, and the heavy burden of stigma.
