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2016 Chai for Cancer USA
Executive Report
Compiled by Winona Rennick
October 2016
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Executive Summary
Chai for Cancer USA is a fundraising initiative of The Max Foundation designed to raise awareness
of the needs of cancer patients while raising funds for their support. Originally conceived of in
India, Chai for Cancer USA began its first year in the summer of 2015, as a fun way for supporters
to join in our mission by hosting an adda (party), inviting their networks of friends, neighbors, and
colleagues to help people facing cancer in India.
The Max Foundation’s South Asia Region Head, Viji Venkatesh, was instrumental in encouraging
her network to participate, and our adda hosts across the country were pivotal to our success.
Each chai adda (tea party) had its own unique flavor, from outdoor events at local parks, to
intimate gatherings in homes across the United States and Canada. During each of the parties,
either the host or Viji herself shared stories to illustrate why the community’s support for cancer
patients in India is so crucial.
In total, twelve parties took place in twelve cities in the US and Canada, including a large
community event hosted by The Max Foundation in Bellevue, WA. The 2016 Chai for Cancer USA
campaign raised a total of $23,631.61 to support diagnostic testing for cancer patients in India.
We look forward to continuing Chai for Cancer USA, and we’re thankful to our community of
friends, new and old, that joined with us to bring dignity and hope to people facing cancer in India
and beyond.
Background
With one of the largest populations in the world, many in India today lack access to basic
healthcare, let alone treatment for cancer. In 2009, a Liaison Office of The Max Foundation was
established in Mumbai, and today the country represents the largest patient population we serve.
Through our sponsored programs we currently support close to 19,000 families whose loved one
has been diagnosed with cancer, facilitating access to treatment and diagnostics, as well as
providing support services.
In 2016, we set out to raise funds in support of an area of great need for our patients through Chai
for Cancer USA – gateway diagnostic testing. In the era of great advances in cancer treatment,
where therapies are tailored to specific molecular targets, lack of access to diagnostics has in fact
widened the cancer divide, and those who cannot afford the out of pocket cost of these tests are
unable to benefit from the new therapies.
While we work directly with companies to secure access to medicines, providing relatively
inexpensive diagnostics is the intervention that allows the patient to receive the right medicine at
the right time, thus providing an opportunity for donors to impact the life of a patient.
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A diagnostic test costs approximately $50 USD, which must be done repeatedly throughout a
cancer patient’s life (typically four times each year) to monitor and maintain access to treatment.
Many patients in India cannot afford this expense. The support provided through Chai for Cancer
USA donations allows patients to take this necessary first step and begin their life-saving
treatment.
Highlights
Highlights from Chai for Cancer USA 2016:
Tea sponsorship from Choice Organic Teas
Our partners at Choice Organic Teas served as our premier sponsor for the Chai for Cancer
campaign in 2015 and 2016. Choice Organic Teas generously supported us by donating
hundreds of cups of their Chai Tea that was enjoyed at addas across the country.
Radio interview of Viji Venkatesh on JACK FM
South Asia Region Head Viji Venkatesh was interviewed by JACK FM’s Lee Callahan in July 2016,
promoting Chai for Cancer USA as well as our local event.
Chai for Cancer USA hosted for the first time in Canada
Addas were hosted across Canada in British Colombia, Quebec, and Ontario.
The Max Foundation Adda
The Max Foundation hosted its own Chai for Cancer USA community event in Bellevue, WA at
Resonance at Soma Towers on August 12th. The event was supported by a volunteer
committee of local supporters, and was attended by approximately 85 guests, raising a total of
6,242 in direct donations, raffle ticket sales, and donations for henna, beer, wine, and chai.
In-kind donations
Companies and individuals in the Seattle area charitably provided in-kind donations worth well
over $2,250 to support Chai for Cancer USA, including: Banya 5 Urban Spa, Bellevue Arts
Museum, Black Raven Brewing Co., Choice Organic Teas, Danielle Matia, Nirmal’s Restaurant,
Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders FC, Shilpa Veerkar, The Max Foundation Executive Board,
Teri St. Onge, Thistle Stone Jewelry
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Chai for Cancer USA Event Photos
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