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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