Meet Melisa! She’s been with The Max Foundation since 2015, working as a Program Officer in our Latin America region. Learn more about why she started with the organization, what her work week looks like, and a special memory she had with a patient.
What drew you to join The Max Foundation, and why does our mission resonate with you?
I was drawn to The Max Foundation because of its strong commitment to supporting patients and ensuring access to treatment. The mission deeply resonates with me, as it combines compassion, teamwork, and a real impact on people’s lives.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
One of my most meaningful memories is seeing the relief and gratitude of patients when they receive confirmation that they are approved in the program. Also being part of their process, getting to know their stories and accompanying them along the way.
Describe a typical work week.
My typical work week includes following up on import processes, reviewing patient cases, coordinating documentation, and handling tasks related to other programs. I also maintain ongoing communication with different stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of medications.
If you could describe The Max Foundation in three words, what would they be?
Support – Unity – Collaboration
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
I would love to instantly master project management skills to better organize processes and timelines.
What languages do you speak?
Spanish and English
What do you love most about where you live?
The warmth of the people and the sense of tranquility.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time with my family and enjoying outdoor activities.
What’s your favorite food?
Milanesas (breaded meat cutlet) and pasta.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
Definitely my kids’ birthdays. I love preparing the food, the decorations, and the presents, and surprising them when they wake up.
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.
Cancer impacts entire families, not just the person receiving the diagnosis. Salsabila was 16 when she found out her father had marginal zone lymphoma. She’s the eldest of three siblings, living with her family in Malaysia. Navigating her father Mr. Azmi’s symptoms and treatment was difficult for them. Despite these challenges, Salsabila continued to study….
“CANCER” what comes to your mind as you read this six letter word? The five W’s, who, what, when, where and why comes to our head. In my life, who? Was my father, when? 2004, where? In his blood and why? The million dollar question whose answer we are still searching for.
This summer, India Country Head Viji Venkatesh is crisscrossing the USA to host Chai for Cancer addas and share The Max Foundation vision. Started in India, Chai for Cancer is our global initiative to invite our community to partner with us. There have already been a number of events in Houston, Charlotte, and New Jersey with more to come!
