Meet Cynthia. She’s been with The Max Foundation in the Latin America region since 2011! Learn more about what her work week looks like as a Program Officer for Mexico, Central America & Caribbean.
What drew you to join The Max Foundation, and why does our mission resonate with you?
I have always enjoyed working with civil society organizations, and having the opportunity to support patients in gaining access to the medicine they need. Being part of that process is what excites me the most.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
I have two special memories. One time was when I traveled to Guadalajara to organize a patient meeting to watch the broadcast of Dr. Cortés colloquium. I remember that one of the patients helped me connect the computer and projector because I couldn’t do it. But the most beautiful part was that the patients brought food to share with the attendees. Some bought what they brought, but most of them woke up early to prepare what they were going to bring. Patients try to show their gratitude in many ways, from sharing their stories, their children’s achievements, and good test results; in this case they expressed it through food.
Second, some patients know that I’m a mom because when my daughter was little, her crib was right next to my desk, and they could hear her talking. Now, whenever I speak with them, they always ask about her. One might think that patients only want to talk about what is happening to them, but very often they are the ones who show concern for us, welcoming us into their lives and making us part of their journey.
Describe a typical work week
I usually wake up very early and I take my daughter to school before starting work.
Every day, I check my email first thing in the morning, and if there is something I can respond to that will not take me more than two minutes, I do it. Then I check the Patient Access Tracking System (PATS+) and the Max Access inbox.
Medication and kits importations require daily follow-up, so I keep an excel with the updated information of each process.
Once a month, I review inventories with my manager, Jacqueline, to schedule medication shipments.
Every week, I review the dispenses, past due patients, delivery receipts, those not contacted, etc.
And of course, every week comes with a surprise–you never know when a situation will change and you have to be creative to solve any new situation.
If you could describe The Max Foundation in three words, what would they be?
Life saver. Footprint. My best choice.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
Being able to communicate in any language.
What languages do you speak?
Spanish and English.
What do you love most about where you live?
I live in Monterrey, in northeastern Mexico, and the city is surrounded by stunning mountains. No matter where you are, you’re almost always treated to an incredible view.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I really enjoy hanging out with friends and family, going to the movies, traveling and discovering new places.
What’s your favorite food?
Of course, tacos but I really love raviolis.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be?
Michelle Obama. Honestly, more than talking with someone famous, I would love the opportunity to talk with my father one more time. He passed away many years ago, and that conversation would mean far more to me than any other.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
Christmas!! Iit’s the best holiday and season of the year. We always celebrate Christmas with family. We prepare delicious meals to have a family dinner and everyone brings food; every year I’m in charge of preparing mac & cheese.
For me, Christmas is more than just one day: it’s everything that surrounds it, preparing to spend time with family and friends, reconnecting with loved ones, and cherishing the opportunity to be together. But more than anything, Christmas reminds me of the day I brought my daughter home. She was born on December 21, but it was on December 24 that we came home together for the first time. It is a memory I cherish deeply and a day I will never forget.
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.
Each year, The Max Foundation chooses a colleague to receive our Excellence in Patient Advocacy Award, honoring a member of our global team who has done something especially remarkable that year. On December 17th, we were delighted to present this year’s Excellence in Patient Advocacy Award to Viji Venkatesh, Region Head for South Asia, for her tireless dedication to the patients she serves.
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