Sunday, May 24, 2009

Together we maximize our life! Supporting others at the same time we are supporting ourselves…


We had another great meeting yesterday, at UMMC this time.

Attended by 80 participants – people living with CML, their family members, physicians, nurses and volunteers – everyone brought along their spirit and smile and be with everyone has made the day a special weekend.

Some are our old friends who never failed to attend every workshop; some are the new faces whom we met for the first time yesterday.

No matter they are old or new friends, from yesterday onwards, they know, there’s a place, a group, a family for everyone of them. This group is called Max Family.

There were experiences sharing, interaction among participants, education and discussion session facilitated by supportive physicians, enjoyable moment having meal and chit-chatting. Time flew quickly and we had no choice but have to end the meeting session at about 2pm.

One of the highlights was when Tony, one of our old friend who brought his guitar and sang for us. Tony, a young musician, a CML survivor who never gave up on his life, wrote a song for Max, and his stepmom, Pat during Oct 2007.

To all our dear friends, support doesn’t stop when yesterday’s meeting ended. In fact, for yesterday’s meeting could be a
beginning point for new friends to stay in touch, for old friends to
continue giving your support.

Please stay in touch by any possible means – phone calls, sms, emails, or even you are welcomed to drop your comments in this blog. We love to hear from you, we love to stay connect with you!

Last but the most important message – thank you, I don’t know what are the best word to express my sincere appreciation to the physicians, nurses, supporters, the volunteers who had sacrificed their weekend, spent their time with us, worked hard to make sure the meeting going on smoothly.

Muchas gracias!


Note: Please do not re-publish this piece of write up or re-use these pictures without getting permission from Max Family. Copy write protected.

Monday, May 11, 2009

CML Maximize Life Workshop - May 2009

Date: 23rd May 2009
Venue: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (UMMC) 
              Bilik Pulasari, Tingkat 2, Blok Rawatan Utama
Time: 8:30 am till 1 pm (lunch provided)
Admission: Free

Invitation opens to all CML patients & families. Please register to confirm participation before 15th May 2009.

Contact Person:
i)   Wei Meng - Wei.Meng.Ang@themaxfoundation.org
ii)  Mei Ching - Mei.Ching.Ong@themaxfoundation.org
iii) MaxFamily - mymaxfamily@gmail.com


(click on image to enlarge)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Stand Up & Live for Life 2009, Penang 1 - 2 May 2009


On 1 - 2 May 2009, we have organized a CML patient camp in Penang, Malaysia.

This is jointly organized by The Max Foundation, Max Family Society Malaysia & Malaysian Society of Haematology, and supported by Novartis Oncology Malaysia.

Highlights of the 2-days 1-night camp:

  • Motivation session
  • Session on Expressing your thought through art
  • Testimonial sharing session
  • Education Session
  • Interaction session among all the participants

“Compliance” is the key message of this camp – Compliance in taking medication, and compliance in follow clinic appointment to ensure you are achieving optimal response in the treatment.

Mr Lee, the counsellor started the first session by boosting everyone up. The lively and fun session warmed up the room, and everyone engaged fully. He delivered his lecture through interactive games and group activities. Self-discipline, positive attitude, correct mindset, work towards your goal, determine, proactive and love are the key points successfully planted in participants’ mind during the first session.

In the evening, our CML survivor, Sahimi was leading the art session – “express your thoughts through colour”. Sahimi, an artist, and also one of the active leaders in Max Family group was doing a great job in this session. The first 10 minutes were rather quiet, just a blink everyone were managed to transfer their thought on paper via crayon, and then we were seeing everyone turned out to be amazing artist!

During the day 1 evening session as well, Mr Lee facilitated a testimonial sharing session. 6 of the participants from different background, having different roles in their life came up to the stage and shared their experience with all in the room. Everyone paid full attention to them, and one of the participant told me, “I am able to relate their experience to myself as I am also walking through this CML journey. It was tough without any supports, but now, sitting in this room knowing everyone is my family member giving me energy to go far!”

During Day 2, everyone was concentrating to education session.

Dr Ong, consultant haematologist told us about the history of CML, treatment, options, monitoring and also importance of compliance.

Ms SP Wong, pharmacist explained what is happening in our body after we take the medication. Why do we need to take the medication every day and should not miss any dose.

Before the participants formed small groups for further education session discussion with haematologists, everyone was given a hands-on experience learning how to set timer to the pill box, as reminder to take medicine every day.

The camp ended by group declaration session by patients, declaring and promising that they will be compliant in their CML management, and always want to achieve the best!

This meeting was very special with our great supporter, Pat’s visit. Pat is the Executive Director of The Max Foundation who has changed so many life around the world. Her endless support and love to all of us always encouraged us wanting to do our best in giving back to community.

Thank you Pat, thank you Max!

We would also want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has made this camp a success – The Max Foundation, Max Family Society Malaysia core group, Malaysian Society of Haematology, haematologists, pharmacist, nurses, volunteers, everyone of your who has participated in the camp, and also Novartis Malaysia. Thank you!


















Special thanks to our great photographer friend, Andrew, who has helped us in snapping all the sweet memories.