“Whenever cancer is diagnosed to a person, his life shatters even if cancer is curable and the anxiety of negative thoughts like “cancer means cancel” overwhelms one’s mind. And they feel lonely. We, oncologists, guide and counsel patients about the biology of cancer and excellent control rate by medicine like imatinib in the case of CML; but that is not enough. People need support and belonging and financial help, which I feel The Max Foundation and Friends of Max are doing for patients of CML and MPN. This kind of gathering is a prime example of that. A sense of family outside of family, people battling the same disease and supporting each other.

Kudos to Viji Ma’am and The Max Foundation for changing the lives of CML patients in a positive manner.”

Oncologist/Hematologist

Dr Asif Shaikh attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Gujarat on Saturday, 18 May 2025 at Vedanta Institute of Medical Science & Research Center. 

“This was a life-changing experience for me. Thank you Amma for treating all patients like one family. After I met other CML patients who took medicines for a long time without any side effects, I felt very encouraged. I thank all the physicians who treated us so respectfully during the entire event. I look forward to attending all the upcoming meetings.”

CML Survivor, Gujarat

Jayesh attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Gujarat on Saturday, 18 May 2025 at Vedanta Institute of Medical Science & Research Center. 

“This meeting gave us an opportunity to meet expert doctors, other people and their families affected by CML, and the people behind The Max Foundation and Friends of Max who have been doing such generous and humanitarian work for many years. The meeting was very supportive for the patients. I thank the teams from The Max Foundation and Friends of Max very much for arranging it.”

Caregiver, Gujarat

Jasmika attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Gujarat on Saturday, 18 May 2025 at  Vedanta Institute of Medical Science & Research Center. 

“This was the most important day for me since the CML diagnosis last year. This meeting helped me to get rid of all the trauma we had about the disease. I liked the medical session and storytelling workshop a lot. I am thankful to Priyanka, Ashika, and Amma for this meeting.”

CML Survivor, Gujarat

Dr Killol attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Gujarat on Saturday, 18 May 2025 at  Vedanta Institute of Medical Science & Research Center.

“CML survivor and part of the program since 2006, I never miss the Patna Patient Support Group Meeting—even though I consult my doctor in Mumbai. The medical session empowers me, and the warm support from The Max Foundation and AIIMS team leaves me feeling strong, hopeful, and ready to live a healthy, dignified life.”

CML Survivor, Bihar

Girijanandan Prasad attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Patna on 26 April 2025 at AIIMS Patna.

“I travel 200 kms to attend the Support Group Meeting in Patna, but the distance never feels heavy. Meeting the Max team and listening to the doctors Q&A session, always lifts my spirit. These gatherings remind us how important it is to stay regular with treatment and take care of our health. I’m truly thankful to The Max Foundation and encourage other CML survivors to be part of these inspiring meetings. I’m already looking forward to the next one!”

CML Survivor, Sitamarhi, Bihar

Prem Shankar Chaudhari attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Patna on 26 April 2025 at AIIMS Patna.

“I have been on Imatinib since 2006, and I was accompanied by my son for this patient meeting. I am deeply thankful to The Max Foundation for the donated medicines that have supported me all these years. Such a meeting is a special gathering that brings together CML patients, caregivers, the Max team, FOM volunteers, and our physicians as one big family. The ‘A Story Speaks’ workshop was especially motivating—it helped build confidence as patients bravely shared their personal journeys of fighting CML.”

CML Survivor, Nalanda, Bihar

Mohammed Moqeemudin attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Patna on 26 April 2025 at AIIMS Patna.

“I have been with The Max Foundation and Friends of Max since 2012, and this was my fifth year attending these meetings. The Q&A session stood out as especially educational. What touched me most was how the physicians—who felt more like family than doctors—took the time to patiently and warmly answer every question. It was such a contrast to the often rushed interactions in the OPD. The entire experience was truly reassuring and comforting.”

CML Survivor, Jamui, Bihar

Prem Kumar attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Patna on 26 April 2025, at AIIMS Patna.

“Cancer is a dreaded disease. It not only causes physical pain to the patient but puts him and his family under massive financial strain and mental trauma. So, if we take care of our health, both physical and mental, consume nutritious food and go through regular medical checkups, then we reduce the chances of cancer. So, on this world cancer day let us promise to keep ourselves and our family healthy.”

CML Survivor

Pradipto Chatterjee attended the CML and GIST Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Pune on 1st Feb 2025 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

“I truly believe in the maxim: Where there is a will, there is a way! Indeed, it has worked for me. When I first got to know about my condition, I was fortunate to get timely advice from doctors and I followed them to the letter. Being engaged in constant work keeps your body and mind in good health and spirit. You do not get the time to brood over your sickness. I kept myself busy and pursued my hobby. I was very much attached to art. So, I drew nice Rangoli, loved stitching, and creating ornamental designs. I love to keep myself fit and engaged myself in fitness. All these activities kept me busy and I carried a very positive attitude. I am employed with a hospital as a receptionist and meet so many people on a daily basis and I try to make the atmosphere as lively as I can.”

CML Survivor

Archana Rajendra Malwadkar attended the CML and GIST Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Pune on 1st Feb 2025 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

“Today on World Cancer Day I request all of you to help patients who are living with cancer. He just needs hope which you can give, tell the people in society that this is not a contagious disease and it cannot be transmitted from one generation to another. If it has to happen it can happen to anyone, don’t run away from it but spread awareness among the people on this World Cancer Day and give your contribution in spreading this awareness.”

CML Survivor

Vishwanath attended the CML and GIST Patient Support Group group Meeting which was held in Pune on 1st Feb 2025 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

“Cancer could be just a chapter in our lives; not the whole story and in that once you choose hope anything is possible. “Don’t let cancer silence our courage…”

Hemato-oncologist, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune

Dr Nihar Gupta attended the CML and GIST Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Pune on 1st Feb 2025 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

“Take one day at a time but never stop dreaming about tomorrow. That simple advice has transformed my journey. From being an introverted patient to becoming a confident survivor, I’ve learned that CML isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a story of strength and resilience. Embrace each day, chase your dreams, and let hope guide you forward.”

CML Survivor, Kottayam, Kerala

Agin attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Kochi on Saturday, 18 January 2025 at VPS Lakeshore Hospital.

“CML didn’t put an end to my photography dreams. With the unwavering support of The Max Foundation, I’ve continued capturing stories of hope and resilience through my lens. Let your dreams be bigger than your fears—it’s a mantra that has transformed my journey and can inspire others to embrace theirs with courage.”

CML Survivor, Palakkad, Kerala

Kaladharan attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Kochi on Saturday, 18 January 2025 at VPS Lakeshore Hospital.

“As a teacher and single mother living with CML, I’ve learned to approach life with newfound compassion while continuing to shape young minds. My son and I actively spread cancer awareness in our school, turning our journey into a mission to inspire others. Remember, CML is just one chapter of your story—it doesn’t define you. Your strength and purpose will help you write the rest.”

CML Survivor, Kottayam, Kerala

Nandini attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Kochi on Saturday, 18 January 2025 at VPS Lakeshore Hospital.

“Diagnosed with CML a decade ago, I discovered that our greatest challenges often unlock our hidden potential. With the unwavering support of The Max Foundation, I not only received life-saving treatment but also found a renewed sense of purpose. Today, I dedicate myself to helping other CML patients find hope, proving that resilience and community can turn adversity into empowerment.”

CML Survivor, Thrissur, Kerala

Harris attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Kochi on Saturday, 18 January 2025 at VPS Lakeshore Hospital

“The program was exceptionally well-organized, offering insights that go beyond what is typically observed during regular OP visits. Listening to the diverse perspectives of patients was truly enlightening. The contributions of The Max Team and Friends of Max added immense value to the event. Overall, the program was thoughtfully planned and executed, leaving a profound and lasting impact.”

Consultant Medical Oncologist- VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Ernakulam

Dr Vijesh attended the Patient Support Group Meeting which was held in Kochi on Saturday, 18 January 2025 at VPS Lakeshore Hospital.