“At diagnosis, every day was filled with fear, uncertainty and struggle. Glivec, the tablet gave me hope and strength to move forward. Through the Patient Assistance Program and the support of The Max Foundation and Friends of Max, my life got a new meaning. The Patient Support Group Meetings have meant a great deal to me and my family. I am deeply grateful for the support that has made such a positive difference in my life.”

Hirji Narayan Dama, CML Survivor, diagnosed in 1999, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Hirji attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai on 06 June 2026.

“Since my CML diagnosis, access to the right treatment, support and information has made all the difference in my life. It changed my life from despair to hope and from fear to faith, giving me the confidence to look forward to the future with renewed strength.”

Vasamvada Shukla, GIST Survivor, diagnosed in 1999, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Vasamvada attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai on 06 June 2026.

“Access to treatment, information and support has transformed my life. Through The Max Foundation’s Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP), thousands of patients like me over the past 20+ years have been able to turn a once-fatal disease into a manageable condition. I continue to live fully, watch my family grow and plan for the future. Beyond treatment, the Friends of Max support network helps me to stay adherent, overcome challenges and to live with hope and dignity.”

Suresh Pawar, CML Survivor, diagnosed in 2005, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Suresh attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai on 06 June 2026

“Advances in treatment such as the availability of 2nd generation (and beyond) TKIs, has improved overall survival of patients with CML, over and above the magic of Imatinib. This has transformed the care of CML patients compared to what it was three decades ago. As patients live longer lives, support groups provide a sense of belonging and serve as a platform to share and discuss their concerns which may not be addressed in the Medical Clinic. Groups such as Friends of Max have supported CML patients tremendously over the last two decades touching their lives in unimaginable ways. Access to information is vital for patients to understand their disease and treatment better. With the advent of social media and easier access to information the awareness of patients and their families has truly improved over the decades, which will hopefully translate to better compliance and outcome.”

Dr Alok Shetty, Associate Professor -(Adult HematoLymphoid Unit) Dept. of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

Dr Alok Shetty attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai on 06 June 2026.

“I have been a caretaker since 2008, and The Max Foundation and Friends of Max have given us more than treatment, it has given us hope and confidence. Free medicines and BCR-ABL tests, and annual Patient Support Group Meetings have helped CML patients stay strong and positive. I attend all Bangalore meetings, where meeting other patients and receiving guidance from expert doctors reminds us that we can continue to live normal, active lives with CML. These gatherings also encourage patients to take medicines regularly and stay committed to their treatment journey.”

Rupesh, caregiver to Maimoonunnisa since 2008, Bangalore, Karnataka

“I sincerely thank The Max Foundation and Friends of Max for the invaluable support provided through no-cost medicines and BCR-ABL monitoring tests. Earlier, the test cost was not affordable for many patients, and this initiative has reduced the financial burden on the CML community. I truly appreciate the care, commitment, and dedication of the entire team in improving access to treatment, monitoring and hope for patients living with CML.”

Ravishankar Basavanna, CML Survivor, diagnosed in 2014, Talakadu, Mysore, Karnataka

Ravishankar attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Mysore at Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology (BHIO)  on 9 May 2026.

“It was indeed a privilege to be associated with the CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting organized by The Max Foundation and Friends of Max. The meeting provided an engaging and inspiring platform for meaningful discussions with experts, while also offering valuable insights from patients and caregivers. Such interactions strengthen our understanding of patient needs beyond clinical care and reinforce the importance of continuous support and education. I sincerely appreciate the remarkable efforts of the organizations in positively impacting so many lives and look forward to a long and meaningful association in the future.”

Dr Abhilash G H, Consultant Medical Oncologist, BHIO, Mysore, Karnataka

Dr Abhilash attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Mysore at Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology (BHIO)  on 9 May 2026.

“Together We Share and Learn” was beautifully reflected during the first-ever CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting in Mysore. Over 80 patients and caregivers came together to share experiences, learn from expert physicians, and support one another with hope and confidence. Inspiring patient stories and an interactive medical Q&A session on treatment, side effects, monitoring and lifestyle reinforced the importance of awareness, emotional support and community strength in helping patients live positively with CML.”

Dr Avinash C B, Chief Medical Oncologist, BHIO, Mysore, Karnataka

Dr Avinash attended the Patient Support Group Meeting held in Mysore at Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology (BHIO)  on 9 May 2026.

“I want to convey my regards and thanks to your team for organizing such a beautiful and helpful event for my patients diagnosed with CML and GIST. I appreciate your efforts for the betterment of patients, especially your programs which provide financial help for their diagnostics tests and medicines. Furthermore, the emotional support you provided to them was a masterclass for us as to how to be compassionate with our patients on a day to day basis. The way your organization members helped and interacted with the patients and understood their concerns was a reminder to us to remain humble in our daily clinical practice. Many thanks and wishing you all the best in future for your humanitarian works.”

Dr Sunny Jandyal, Consultant Medical Oncology, Jammu

Dr Sunny Jandyal attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Jammu on 11 April 2026. 

“I am Intikhab Shafi, son of Misra Begum, who was diagnosed with CML in 2007. The meeting was inspiring, and I appreciate the effort put in by the doctors’ team, especially Ashutosh Sir, Principal of Medical College Jammu and also to The Max Foundation and Friends of Max teams for their support. Thank you all for making what seemed impossible, possible.”

Intikhab Shafi (Caregiver)

Intikhab Shafi attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Jammu on 11 April 2026. 

“On 11th April 2026, The CML and GIST Patient Support Group Meeting was held in Jammu, serving as a highly motivating platform for patients, caregivers, and doctors. Long-term patients inspired newcomers, while doctors shared the latest research and treatment advancements, bringing hope to all. The event saw enthusiastic participation beyond the MAX programme. Ms.Viji Amma’s leadership and Ms.Priyanka’s seamless anchoring added great value. The programme was well organized under Dr. Ashutosh Gupta and his team, with valuable contributions from Dr. Shyam Agarwal. Special thanks to Shriya Bhatt Mission Hospital for their hospitality. I look forward to more active patients’ involvement in arranging such meetings for FOM in future on a regular basis.”

Vir Krishan Bhat, CML Survivor, diagnosed in 2002

Vir Krishan Bhat attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Jammu on 11 April 2026. 
 
 

“Attending the Max Foundation and Friends of Max CML patient meeting in Patna was a truly enriching and inspiring experience for me. Having been on this journey since my diagnosis in 2003, it was heartening to engage with fellow patients and learn from expert physicians, which strengthened my understanding and confidence in managing CML. The availability of donated medicines through The Max Foundation ensures continuity of care and brings immense relief to patients like us. The compassion and unwavering support of the Max family continue to instil hope and resilience in all of us.”

Anirudh Pandhey,  diagnosed with CML in 2003, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Anirudh Pandhey attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Patna, on 18 April 2026

“I have only one family—The Max Foundation,” and I truly mean it. I was diagnosed with CML in 2012, and for the past 14 years, this program has been my constant support. I make it a point to attend every Patient Support Group meeting because it keeps me connected, informed, and strong. Living on lifelong treatment with donated medicines, I deeply value the guidance I receive on my health, nutrition, and regular monitoring. The no-cost BCR-ABL testing came as a wonderful and reassuring surprise. I am truly grateful for all the care and support, and I always look forward to being part of these meetings.”

Pinki Kumari, diagnosed with CML in 2012, Dhanbad, Jharkhand

Pinki Kumari attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Patna, on 18 April 2026 

“This was my first CML support meeting. I have always helped Papa draft these quotes after every meeting, and now I am writing one of my own – a deeply personal and eye-opening experience. I was six when my father was diagnosed but only came to understand it at ten. Today, as a final-year MBBS student at IGIMS, Patna, it all came full circle. Seeing my professors, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Sinha and Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, on the medical panel made it even more meaningful. In that room, I found strength, joy, and a powerful sense of togetherness reminding me that we are not alone, and that life goes far beyond a diagnosis. Being part of this meeting, in association with The Max Foundation through its support with donated medicines and Friends of Max (FOM) for diagnostic support, further reinforced my belief in equitable access to care and the hope it brings to countless families.”

Uptal kumar, caregiver to Rajeev Kumar, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh 

Uptal Kumar attended the CML and GIST patient support meeting held in Patna, on 18 April 2026 

“I am a City Chapter Leader from Guwahati and have been part of The Max Foundation program since 2011. During my visit to Patna to meet my son, Utpal, a final-year medical student at IGIMS, I had the opportunity to attend the meeting organized by The Max Foundation and Friends of Max. I deeply appreciated the highly engaging meeting, especially the insightful medical Q&A session. The support provided by The Max Foundation and Friends of Max, particularly the no-cost monitoring at the meeting is invaluable and continues to make a meaningful difference in our lives.”

Rajeev Kumar, diagnosed with CML in 2011, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh

Rajeev Kumar attended the CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting held in Patna, on 18 April 2026

“I eagerly and enthusiastically await the patient meeting, which provides detailed information about the disease, treatment methods and medicine, and instills self-confidence. I feel it as a family get-together where all the close relatives come together, where joys, sorrows and jokes are shared. My gratitude and love to Novartis and The Max Foundation for providing the magical medicine Imatinib and saving my life.”

Sangeetha Suresh, diagnosed with CML in 2006, Kottayam, Kerala

Sangeetha Suresh attended the CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting held in Kochi on 28 Feb 2026

“The meeting that I attended with my wife Remya, who is a CML patient, was very well organized and had a great effect on me. The question-and-answer session was very helpful with highly experienced doctors patiently answering all our worries. I would like to thank The Max Foundation and FOM teams and the doctors who were there. I am already looking forward to the next meeting.”

Praveen, Caregiver, Thrissur, Kerala

Praveen attended the CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting held in Kochi on 28 Feb 2026

“I have been undergoing treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) for the last 18 years and have attended almost every meeting held in Kerala since then. From that time till now, the support provided by the Max team, volunteers at Friends of Max, doctors and my other friends in the group over the years have helped me overcome many challenges in my cancer journey. I hope to be able to attend the meetings in the future. Thank you very much to everyone.”

Suresh Sreedharan, diagnosed with CML in 2007, Kottayam, Kerala

Suresh attended the CML & GIST Patient Support Group Meeting held in Kochi on 28 Feb 2026

“The session with the doctors was extremely informative and reassuring. Medical concepts were explained in a simple, easy to understand way, and all questions were addressed with patience.

A very valuable and well organized meeting by the organization.”

Simran Thoolkar , diagnosed with CML in 2022, Nagpur

Simran attended the Patient Support Group meeting held at Nagpur on 24 January 2026

“I truly appreciated the opportunity to attend the recent CML meeting—it was inspiring to connect with fellow oncology professionals, patients, and caregivers while exploring updates on treatment adherence, PCR monitoring, and survivorship support.

The sessions were particularly insightful and reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in improving outcomes for CML patients.”

Dr Amol Dongre, Director Medical Oncology, Max Hospital

Dr Amol Dongre attended the Patient Support Group meeting held at Nagpur on 24 January 2026