It’s been a busy spring at The Max Foundation! Along with the major update to our new site, there are some great stories to share from our global network.
Over the past few years, the India team has been concentrating on having gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)-focused meetings throughout the country. Quarterly meetings have been happening in Mumbai 
since 2013, but this year included the first GIST meeting in Hyderabad. GIST patient groups were started because the large number of CML patients overshadowed the specific needs of those facing GIST.
Along with presentations from medical professionals and Q&A sessions, people also participated in an art therapy workshop – some enthusiastically and some with a little coaxing – so patients and caregivers can open up and empathize with each other. As our team in South Asia can attest, these bonds create lasting friendships.
Max Family, a patient support group in Malaysia, decided to make the best of their nice weather and took their next patient meeting outdoors. Max team member, Waheeda, shares how the day unfolded:
“I could see almost everyone wore a bright smile, what a wonderful start to the Sunday morning! Not only that, everyone brought something with them, from the picnic mat to yummy Nasi Lemak. How lovely to see everyone is trying their best to make it the best day.”
The picnic was filled with good food and stories, as well as plans for raising cancer advocacy throughout Malaysia.
We saw the beginning of storytelling workshops where patients, caregivers, and advocates gathered to learn the art of telling their story. India Region Head, Viji, shares what happened:
“The intimate setting of the smaller groups helped to do away with any feelings of shyness or hesitation. Each speaker had been heard before and received feedback from familiar team mates. The group representatives spoke and shared from their hearts and what was said resonated in one way or the other with everyone in the audience.”
We are sharing our executive reports for our many projects and campaigns. These reports give the story behind our efforts to raise awareness, build community, and help people facing cancer around the world. Our latest reports feature the results of our My PCR and Maximize Life campaigns. Read these reports to learn why we believe in raising awareness and advocacy around the world for people facing cancer.
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.
My name is Chhoun Socheata, I am 31 years old and I am an online teacher, teaching English and Khmer (Cambodian language). I have two children, a 10-year-old daughter, and a 6-year-old son. My goal in the future is to own a school, which teaches English/Khmer that I can train Cambodian children as well as….
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!
I have learned that the pain in the heart and soul is deep and will always be there. The ‘bucket’ has a hole, and even when you dedicate every day of your life to making sure other families don’t have to live with this pain, the bucket will never be filled. I have also learned….
