2016 Chai for Cancer USA Executive Report

Transcription

1 2016 Chai for Cancer USA Executive Report Compiled by Winona Rennick October 2016

2 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, 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. 2

3 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 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 12 th. 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 3

4 Chai for Cancer USA Event Photos 4

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