Meet Nur Iklil! She’s been with The Max Foundation since 2023, working as a Program Coordinator in our Asia and Eastern Europe 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 join The Max Foundation because of the opportunity to contribute to a mission that truly changes lives. Knowing that more patients can benefit from the work we do makes this role especially meaningful to me.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
There is a patient who is very close to me. She is 73 years old and incredibly caring. Whenever we speak on the phone, she gives me advice just like a mother would. Her kindness touches me deeply and often reminds me of my own mother back in my hometown.
Describe a typical work week
If you could describe The Max Foundation in three words, what would they be?
Compassionate, impactful, and hopeful.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
The ability to understand and speak any language.
What languages do you speak?
Bahasa Melayu and English
What do you love most about where you live?
Malaysia is rich in vibrant traditions and incredible food, with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Most of all, I love the warmth and friendliness of the people.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy staying active through outdoor activities such as hiking and running.
What’s your favorite food?
Malaysian food, especially Nasi Lemak and Asam Pedas.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be?
Siti Nurhaliza, a famous singer in Malaysia.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
Eid al-Fitr. It is a joyful celebration that brings families together to reconnect and spend meaningful time with one another.
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.
As a new team member of The Max Foundation, I feel honored to work with an organization that advocates for patients dealing with blood cancer. This global health organization has helped thousands of patients get access to treatment, provide education and awareness, and bring a community together throughout the world.
Every year, throughout the month of October, we honor Max and his legacy by partnering with our network of cancer organizations to carry out the Maximize Life Global Cancer Awareness Campaign. It is a month of service that aims at decreasing stigma and increasing hope for people living with cancer around the world.
This year, like past years, 16 patient support groups in Africa and Middle East have joined the Maximize Life Campaign with enthusiasm and excitement. All the groups in Africa welcome back our friends from Sierra Leone who inspired us all with their resilience in the face of the Ebola epidemic that touched their country.
