Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shock for Yeshi, a farmer from a small village in Bhutan. Her mother passed away from breast cancer, which was already advanced when it was discovered.
“I was terrified, remembering the pain my mother had endured,” she said. “However, I also felt a sense of relief knowing I had the chance to get the help I needed.”
The first sign was a small lump in Yeshi’s breast. However, she wasn’t a big fan of hospitals, so it took her a while to build up the courage and get tested. From there, she had to move away from her village and start treatment. It was an emotionally taxing
experience.
However, Yeshi received plenty of support from her government and her doctor, and The Max Foundation is providing access to the medication she needs to feel better – free of charge.
“Before my diagnosis, I avoided hospitals,” she said. “Now, I believe in the importance of utilizing healthcare facilities to the fullest. My experience has shown me that with the right treatment, even the most challenging health battles can be overcome.”
Having access to treatment allows Yeshi to continue working, and she has more time to spend with her spouse and friends. She’s thankful for all the support.
“Turning 52 this year has made me realize how precious life is,” Yeshi said. “Being a farmer is hard work, but I’m determined to do what I love. I’m also grateful to continue receiving treatment and follow-ups. The medications I’m taking have helped me regain my strength, even though I can’t do as much heavy lifting as I used to.”
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.
For many people facing cancer, the “last mile” in treatment access is a long, expensive, and recurring journey. But in Constantine’s case, even this journey may not be enough. The distance itself is not so far but the journey is long – 8 hours by public buses and transport. Constantine, like so many others around the world, has a rare form of leukemia called CML (chronic myeloid leukemia).
When someone facing cancer gains access to treatment, they gain access to life. With oral chemotherapies, access to treatment isn’t simply a one-time occurrence. Each and every day, tens of thousands of cancer patients take life-saving medication they receive free-of-cost – all thanks to the unseen work of partners, donors, and Max team members.
In 2008, Osbaldo was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at the young age of 24. Osbaldo shares his journey accessing treatment.
