13/05/2026
9th May 2026- Support Group Meeting for CML and GIST Patients
The meeting was organised by The Max Foundation and Friends of Max with the full support of Dr. Avinash and his team at Bharat Hospital and Institute of Oncology. It had a single purpose: to connect patients with others facing the same diagnosis, and to create a space where they could share experiences, learn from one another and find strength together.
Representing Friends of Max were Viji Venkatesh, Managing Trustee, along with FOM Trustee Pranay Ranjan and experience City Chapter Leaders Lalitha & Vardarajan, Shankar & Shailaja, who travelled from Bangalore, and Ramanathan Sheshadri, who travelled from Nagpur for the meeting. Representing The Max India team were Beena Narayanan, Country Head, and Ashika Naik, Program Coordinator.
The day-long meeting featured presentations on patient support initiatives (The importance of Compliance by Dr Abhilash G H, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato Oncologist, Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology; The importance of monitoring test by Dr Avinash C B, Chief Medical Oncologist, Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology), medical Q&A sessions conducted in Kannada by an expert medical panel (Dr Abhilash G H, Dr Avinash C B, Dr. Santhosh Kumar K N) and an engaging workshop highlighting the importance of PCR testing in the management of CML. As part of the initiative, 35 patients also underwent BCR-ABL testing at no cost to them, at the meeting venue itself.
What stood out most was the power of human connection beyond language barriers. Recalling one memorable moment, Viji shared, “While explaining the ‘rogue’ chromosomes responsible for CML, the use of the word ‘rowdy’ instantly sparked laughter and understanding across the room, breaking barriers and bringing everyone together.”
The meeting truly lived up to its purpose, with many first-time patients attending such a meeting, participating enthusiastically. It was a strong reminder that support groups are about far more than sharing information. They are spaces where patients realise they are not alone, where caregivers find strength and where communities come together with hope and renewed energy.
A heartfelt thank you to the physicians, FOM City Chapter Leaders and Volunteers and everyone who helped make the Mysore meeting so meaningful.
Viji Venkatesh Bharath Hospital & Institute Of Oncology Priyanka Kandalgaokar Kubal The Max Foundation Beena Narayanan Pranay Ranjan Ashika Naik
