“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

“Thank you to The Max Foundation and Friends of Max for providing a platform where patients can share their thoughts with each other and get their queries answered by physicians.

It not only helps long-term patients like us but also newly diagnosed patients through shared experiences. I urge all patients to actively participate in such meetings, just as I do.”

Prashant Kumar Jain , diagnosed with CML in 2007, Indore

Prashant attended the Support Group Meeting in Indore on 14 December 2025.

“I value the great organization and meaningful conduct of the meeting of the Indore CML Patient Support Group by The Max Foundation. The program was well-planned, very informative, and patient-centric, with much emphasis on not only the medical aspects of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia but also on the emotional, psychological, and social needs of the patients and caregivers.

These sessions amply emphasized the importance of adherence to treatment, regular monitoring, and timely testing, while simultaneously providing an open platform for the sharing of experiences and clarification of doubts through interactive discussions with medical experts. Such initiatives go a long way in empowering patients with knowledge, reducing anxiety, and leading to better long-term treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.

I would like to extend my special appreciation to Ms. Beena Narayanan, Regional Head – India, The Max Foundation, for her visionary leadership and continued commitment to patient welfare. My sincere thanks to Ms. Ashika Naik, Programme Officer, The Max Foundation, for her diligent effort in coordinating and executing the program seamlessly. I acknowledge Ms. Amruta Patidar, Trustee, Friends of Max, for her valued contribution and unwavering support in strengthening patient engagement and community outreach.

Overall, the Indore meeting stands out as an epitome of collaboration among health professionals, patient support groups, and The Max Foundation. I firmly believe and support such kinds of meaningful initiatives, which go a long way in enhancing treatment adherence, clinical outcomes, and the overall quality of life of CML patients.”

Dr Manish Nema, Haemato-oncologist, CHL Apollo Hospital

Dr Manish Nema attended the Support Group Meeting in Indore on 14 December 2025.

“My wife and I never miss a meeting. Each gathering fills us with immense gratitude and a sense of blessing to be part of this wonderful community. We eagerly look forward to every session, and we are deeply thankful to The Max Foundation and Friends of Max for their tireless efforts in providing educational materials, interactive Q&A sessions, and lively workshops. These meetings not only enrich our knowledge but also strengthen our bond with this inspiring group.”

Sudeb Kumar Das, caregiver to his wife Mithu Das, who was diagnosed with CML in 2007

Sudeb attended the Patient Support Group meeting held at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata on 15 November 2025

“Patients’ Meet is always a top priority in my family. We have attended every one since this group was conceived. Every meeting is permeated by strong comradeship of soldiers fighting man’s worst enemy Cancer. The charisma of Amma and her dedicated team at FOM and Max Foundation have made these meetings so meaningful and knowledgeable. It is indeed an Oasis of data on CML which both encourages and benefits us in so many vital areas. These meetings are a blend of awe at the survival of so many, light picnic-like interactions, while also carrying a quiet sadness for those who are no longer with us.

Let me end with a Quote from the school anthem of St Xaviers School, Calcutta “Hand in hand onwards we go helping the weak, the lame and the sore”. Let me also add that FOM and Max Foundation have not only helped the sore but have extracted nearly all from the jaws of death.”

Sushmita Sen, caregiver to her husband Subir, who was diagnosed with CML in 2001

Sushmita attended the Patient Support Group meeting held at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata on 15 November 2025

“I am a caregiver and an active volunteer at Friends of Max and The Max Foundation, an organization that provides medicines to CML patients. Volunteering there brings me immense happiness and satisfaction. I sincerely encourage all CML patients to attend this annual event. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet the doctors in person, discuss your concerns, and receive valuable guidance.

Support Group Meetings gives me strength- It helps us walk this journey with more confidence because we learn so much from other patients and caregivers.”

Souvik Das, caregiver to his father, Satya Ranjan Das, who was diagnosed with CML in 2000

Souvik attended the Patient Support Group meeting held at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata on 15 November 2025

“This was a very meaningful and much-needed session, important for the patients’ mental well-being. They felt much lighter and relieved after the session. It was especially helpful in clarifying that CML is not a cancer, but a chronic disease.”

Sandeep, Caregiver, Delhi

Sandeep attended the MPN/CML Patient Support Group Meeting, held on 17th October 2025 at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. 

“It was really a nice session. It was also a very motivating session and after attending it, it filled my mind with positivity. Thanks a lot for inspiring patients and caregivers who are feeling depressed with their diagnosis. We are in need of such support.”

Albert, Diagnosed in 2025, Gurugram, Haryana

Albert attended the MPN/CML Patient Support Group Meeting, held on 17th October 2025 at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.

“The meeting witnessed a wonderful interaction between doctors, caregivers and CML patients. A takeaway message for all of us should be that we cannot allow cancer to cripple us, nor can we allow it to break us. We have two choices, to cry and fret or to fight, hope and win. Let us make the right choice, because this life that we are living presently is a GIFT, let us live well and wisely. Our minds have the power to heal our bodies, so keep your will power strong and also the will to live, alive. If our will power is stronger than our disease, we begin the healing process at that very moment. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you think. You still have the right to dream and make your dreams come true. Remember to take one day at a time, and know that you are not alone in this fight. We are not survivors, we are Yoddhas- warriors and we never give up 😄✌️”

Dr Gayatri Bhat, Patient Advocate and Counsellor, Yoddas & MFCT India

Dr Gayatri attended the MPN/CML Patient Support Group Meeting, held on 17th October 2025 at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.