People living with cancer deserve access to holistic treatment, including support, education, and the opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation. That’s why The Max Foundation and its partners offer more than just medicine.
Sandra from Chile started participating in our treatment adherence program, Day by Day, after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). She’s been living with the disease for almost a decade now.
“I had barely started sailing in calm waters after overcoming thyroid and breast cancers, when I was immersed in a new storm,” she said. “The CML was an unexpected challenge that tested my resilience.”
The first and second medications Sandra tried had intense and sometimes painful side effects. She’s now on a third-line therapy and responding well.
The Day by Day program helps people manage their treatment plan so they stay on track. Services include monthly phone calls to offer solutions and emotional support, educational materials like brochures, and workshops for patients and their families.
Sandra also receives support from her family, which helps her maintain a positive attitude. Her day starts by taking her four nephews to school before working online for an IT company. She also spends all the time she can with her father and daughters.
“My home has been my refuge,” Sandra said. “I live with my youngest daughter, Catalina, and the father of my daughters, Reinaldo, who have been my fundamental pillar. Together we have faced the ups and downs of this disease.”
Over time, Sandra has learned to adapt to the changes in her body and find new ways to enjoy life. That includes photography, reiki, volunteering, and watching movies. She also takes time to meet and comfort others living with cancer.
“My message is that regardless of diagnosis, it is possible to live a full and meaningful life,” Sandra said. “To all those who are fighting this disease, I say that you are not alone and that there is hope.”
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.
Physicians are an essential part of our work. We partner with more than 500 healthcare professionals who provide cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries. They volunteer to be in our program, caring for people in need on top of their regular schedule. Dr. Mipsang Lama is a perfect example – he goes above and….
At The Max Foundation, we believe in the power of individuals to make a difference, especially when it comes to health equity. Over the years, we’ve been privileged to work alongside some amazing people in both the public and private sectors – people who have moved mountains to help patients around the world face cancer with dignity and hope. We also believe in working closely with organizations whose mission and values align with our own.
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….
