Stories from around the world

The “Last Mile” to Treatment Access: Constantine’s Story

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).

Chai for Cancer USA: Raise a Cup Together

Launched in 2015, Chai for Cancer USA raises funds to provide treatment access for patients in India. The campaign’s inspiration and namesake come from our own Region Head for South...

‘Spot On CML’ Comes to Nepal

Viji Venkatesh visits Kabitha, the very first patient in Nepal to be tested through our Spot On CML collaboration with Fred Hutch. Since her test, 35 patients have gained diagnostic testing through the Spot On CML initiative!

What does treatment access mean to you?

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.

A Partnership Bound by Mission, Innovation, and History

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. 

Join us in August for the Max Global Experience – Uganda!

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer? This August, we invite you to join us for the Max Global Experience – Uganda to be part of the African patient journey by walking a mile (or 365!) in the shoes of African cancer survivors who often must travel for miles and even days to access treatment for their cancer.

Reflections Following the Loss of a Beloved Cancer Advocate

The passing of our dear friend, advocate and colleague Ferdinand, has shaken the close-knit global chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) community. CML, a rare form of leukemia that used to be fatal, now is treated with innovative targeted therapies commonly referred to as TKIs. There has been unprecedented global access to these TKIs and this has fostered the development of one of the strongest global patient communities for a rare cancer. Ferdinand, from Nairobi, Kenya, was a loved member of this community.

Let our Global Playlist of Inspiring Songs Rock Your World Cancer Day!

Every day can feel like World Cancer Day when you are living with Cancer. A diagnosis changes our lives and our family’s lives from the moment we hear the news. We want you to know that you are not alone in facing your diagnosis. In fact, we created a playlist of inspiring songs from around the world to keep you going so you can listen anytime and feel the support of your community.

Finding Value in the Patient Experience

Health systems around the world are strained due to the high burden of costs. In an attempt to guide decision-makers in their choices on behalf of patients, the topic of value frameworks was born. These value frameworks evaluate all aspects of cancer treatment: clinical benefit, side effects, and improvement in patient symptoms or quality of life. But given the complexities of the multitude of health systems around the world, it is not a straightforward discussion. And right now, it's a dialogue driven by thought leaders and health economists from the US and Europe. But there are critical voices is missing from this discussion: patients and patient advocates.

Solidarity Ties Through the Mountains

Nestled in the mountains of Peru, there's a place called Cusco where you'll find the cancer patient group, Lazos Solidarios (Solidarity Ties). Yusef Herrera, created Lazos Solodarios to help cancer patients in this remote region in 2009 and today, the organization is supporting families facing CML and LLA, many of them children. Yusef, a dentist, became a committed advocate to close the cancer divide between these rural communities and their access to treatment and support.

20 Years – A Letter to Max

Each year on October 19th, Max’s Day, we honor Maximiliano “Max” Rivarola and his legacy of lifesaving support for cancer survivors through the work of The Max Foundation. This year,...

20 Years of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving holiday, we are grateful for 20 years of support from our global community. Thanks to each and every one of you for all you have done to bring dignity and hope to people facing cancer around the world. Click through our photo gallery to see some of our favorite moments of the year so far. Happy Thanksgiving!