Shining a Light on Onward’s Compassion

When Onward was first diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), he spent many sleepless nights thinking about his future. Now, 11 years later, he advocates and provides support for other people going through the same thing.

“I am now living a normal life and enjoying my cycling, and gardening, and forgetting about CML, I only remember that I am a patient when it’s time to take my medication,” he said. “I now have hope, and I am able to instill hope to newly diagnosed patients.”

Onward is a 45-year-old farmer living in Zimbabwe with his wife, Tabeth, and their four children. In 2014, he started feeling weak and losing weight, and noticed he couldn’t cycle as far.

Onward said it took a while to be diagnosed then because the blood samples had to be taken to South Africa. He also had to sell his only car and furniture to afford the tests. Finally, a doctor confirmed that he had CML.

“My wife was so young at that stage, and I was just jealous and scared of losing her to someone else or not being able to grow old with her,” he said. “It wasn’t easy to accept.”

The doctor said medication was expensive, so he recommended our program. The Max Foundation and its partners provide access to treatment free of charge. After treatment, Onward started feeling better. He said every time he went for a checkup, there was good news.

In 2015, after encouragement from a Max team member, Onward became one of four founding members of the CML Zimbabwe Trust. They provide support, comfort, and education for patients. Currently, they’re letting people know about the transportation grants from Max to motivate them to seek treatment.

“I would like to thank the Max Foundation for the donation of the medication, which saves hundreds of patients in my country,” Onward said.

In 2022, Onward and Tabeth welcomed their fourth child, a son. Although he lost sleep over his diagnosis, Onward said he’s now proud to share his story and pass hope along to others.

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