Affiliated Patient Groups
The affiliated patient groups in this section are all connected through websites,
Facebook pages or blogs. If your group is a partner and has a site that you wish
us to link to, please reach out to your contact at The Max Foundation or write to
info@themaxfoundation.org with your
link.
Every year, The Max Foundation welcomes new patient groups into our circle of affiliated
groups. Groups listed in this section have collaborated with us on various initiatives
throughout the years and many also have the in-person support of our advocates based
in their home country. We stay in close contact with affiliated groups where there
is no local team member any way we can: through emails, in-person visits, phone
calls and more.
Click on one of the groups below for inspiration, to establish connections and to
learn more about their amazing activities around the world!
Cameroon - Association Solidarité Chimiothérapie / Solidarity Chemotherapy (SOCHIMIO)
History:
SOCHIMIO is defined as an NGO (NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION) of reflection, action
and solidarity which works to take care of cancer patients in Cameroon.
La SOCHIMIO (Solidarité Chimiothérapie) se définit comme une ONG de réflexion, d'action
et de solidarité qui œuvre pour la prise en charge des malades du cancer au Cameroun.
Website: www.sochimio.com
Dominican Republic - Un Paso Max
History:
"Un Paso Max" is a nonprofit organization in Dominican Republic that started in
2008 with the goal to provide support, education and information to patients and
families with GIST and CML. The patient group Un Paso Max started as an initiative
of a small group of patients that have been blessed by the international program
GIPAP, created by Novartis Pharma and administered by The Max Foundation.
"Un Paso Max" es un grupo sin fines de lucro de República Dominicana que inició
en el 2008 con el objetivo de dar apoyo y orientación sobre la Leucemia y el Cáncer
Gastrointestinal (GIST) a personas (pacientes y familiares) que requieran informaciones
sobre estas enfermedades. Surge como iniciativa de varios pacientes que ya han sido
favorecidos por el programa internacional GIPAP, creado por Novartis Phama y The
Max Foundation.
Blog: www.unpasomax.wordpress.com
HI5:unpasomax.hi5.com
Twitter:twitter.com/unpasomax
Sonico:www.sonico.com/unpasomax
El Salvador- Asociación Amor a la Vida
History:
“Asociación Amor a la Vida" was born as a hope for populations affected by leukemia
in El Salvador. Established in 2007, the group received legal status in the Official
Newspapers published on May 29, 2008. The group objective is to help, protect and
improve quality of life in patients who are diagnosed with certain type of leukemia.
The group aims to be pioneers in creating the First Cytogenetic Lab in El Salvador,
which will be available for all populations within the country that suffer from
leukemia. One project is to build a hostel which will serve patients and families
with limited resources, as a place where they can have accommodation, since most
of them reside in the countryside and move to San Salvador for treatment or hospitalization.
The Love of Life Association, as it is called in English, is committed to helping
patients and families by establishing a channel of direct communication in the various
Assistance Centers to the public network so that patients can receive personalized
attention and access to quality equipment and specialists. This is especially important
in the Hospital Rosales, which serves almost 80% of the population affected by the
disease.
Website: www.amoralavida.webs.com
India - Friends of Max (FOM)
History:
Friends of Max is a patient group with chapters all across India. The original chapter
was born out of people living with blood cancer and GIST and their families who
emailed together through a Yahoo Group and, after so much enjoyment, started having
regular gatherings. Today, Friends of Max continues to have local events in each
of the 12 cities, but also comes together annually for an All India Patient Gathering
with as many as 1000 guests in attendance.
Chapters across India: Mumbai, Kolkota, Delhi, Chennai, Kerala, Hyderabad, Chandigarh,
Amedabad, Bangalore, Pune, Jaipur and Patna.
Website: www.friendsofmax.info
Kenya - Henzo GIPAP Kenya
History:
Henzo GIPAP Kenya was created with the mission of providing support in the region
for Leukemia and GIST patients, care givers and the general public through Community
Education, Empowerment and Social Networking
The group’s vision is to create public awareness about Leukemia & GIST and to advocate
for affordable and proper diagnosis and treatment
Website: www.henzogipapkenya.or.ke
Malaysia - Max Family
History:
Formed in July 2006 by local CML patients, Max Family aims to make a difference
in the lives of people living with CML by helping them to overcome challenges and
improve their quality of life. Max Family supports and helps CML patients by providing
information on CML, focusing on the emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease
and advising on various job opportunities (which could help improve patients’ financial
status). This support group also promotes self-empowerment and advocacy among patients,
care givers and their family members.
Blog: www.mymaxfamily.blogspot.com
Mexico - Asociacion Mexicana de Leucemia y GIST (AMELEG)
History:
The group was formed in 2006 in Mexico City by local patients diagnosed with CML
and GIST and caregivers. The mission was to support and empower each other in order
to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. In October of 2008 the group
was legally recognized by the government and registered. The group organizes monthly
meeting where the participants get a chance to share their stories and experiences.
Usual guests, local physicians, answers questions regarding diagnosis and treatments
and a group of psychologist are available to answer questions about emotional and
mental concerns of patients and caregivers. Today they have chapters in Mexico City,
Guadalajara, Tapachula and Monterrey.
Website: www.ameleg.org.mx
Philippines - Touched By MAX
History:
Glivec has touched the lives of CML and GIST patients, families and friends. Cognizant
of the gift of Glivec providing one with enhanced and extended time to lead fulfilling
lives, the core group of patients responding to the call to organized the First
Anniversary of GIPAP (Glivec International Patient Assistance Program) event in
the Philippines in February 2004 and called themselves, D’GIPAP Pinoys, CML and
GIST Cancer Warriors’ Touched by Max. The logo representing the group name was conceptualized
and inspired by Michelangelo’s “Creation” of Divine Intervention, GIPAP as an instrument
and conduit of His blessings shall catalyze the recipients and families to likewise
give back and pass on the spark, rippling through the waters and hopefully making
waves of differences.
Website: touchedbymax.weebly.com/
Venezuela - ASAPHE
History:
ASAPHE ~ Association of Help for Hemato-oncological Patients, is a non governmental,
non profit civil association of people living with CML and GIST. It started activities
as a group of patients in March 2003 and became legallyrecognized on August 5, 2004,
with the objective of promoting integral attention to affected individuals, offering
them information in regards to their illness and available treatments. The mission
is to support people with hemato-oncological illnesses and GIST to help them maintain
their quality of life and be integrated into society.
Website: www.asaphe.org.ve