Friends of Max

11/09/2026

We are delighted to share that Viji Venkatesh, Managing Trustee of Friends of Max was recently featured in a news article in Indian Express Malayalam.

The feature highlights Viji’s heartfelt birthday wishes and a couple of selfies with Indian cinema icon Megastar Mammootty on his special day. Reflecting on her time working alongside him in the movie “Dominic and the Ladies' Purse” , Viji says how “sharing screen space with Mammootty was one of the most incredible experiences of her life.”

While some of you know Viji for her impactful, heart-touching screen presence, notably as Ummachi in Akhil Sathyan's ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ and with Mammootty in the Gautham Vasudev Menon’s ‘Dominic and the Ladies' Purse’ besides the role of the stern Attorney General in her first Tamil film, Angikaaram, we at Friends of Max know her best as our tireless Managing Trustee and dedicated cancer advocate for patients across the country.

The Indian Express article beautifully acknowledges both aspects of her inspiring journey. From her dedicated efforts as the Regional Head of The Max Foundation and Managing Trustee of Friends of Max, spearheading initiatives like Chai for Cancer, to the big screen.

Read the full news coverage on Indian Express Malayalam:
https://malayalam.indianexpress.com/entertainment/actress-viji-venkatesh-shares-heartfelt-birthday-note-and-selfies-with-mammootty-12502562

Viji Venkatesh

10/09/2026

Today is MPN Awareness Day 2026

A day to raise awareness and share experiences around this group of blood disorders that are grouped together as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Since including MPN patients and their needs under our wing in 2019 Friends of Max has worked hard in building and strengthening this community of patients and caregivers.

From developing disease related resources for MF, PV and ET to representing patients’ voices at global conferences, we continue with our efforts to ensure all their needs and requirements are met with.

Our Patient Support Group Meetings, conducted in partnership with The Max Foundation team and the physicians and hospitals across India are a valuable exercise in sharing and learning on many levels. The recognition our patient related initiatives are receiving at global conferences, is a meaningful validation of our efforts.

As we celebrate MPN Awareness Day today, we also look forward to the upcoming MPN HZ2026, taking place from 16-18 Oct in Paris, another opportunity to share and learn from one another and a platform to take our work further in support of our MPN community.

Viji Venkatesh The Max Foundation MPN Advocates Network

10/09/2026

And the race begins...

The countdown to the racing bibs for the Tata Mumbai Marathon is on, one of India’s most aspired races, and perhaps the most iconic!

Race Day: 17 January 2027, Mumbai

This year RUN for a pediatric cancer patient, RUN for FOM, RUN for Project Shiksha.

FOM invites corporates, individual runners and running clubs to join us.

NEW: Team 10: Dream run, Corporate Edition

10 runners|5.9 kms | 18 years and above

Total Donation+ CSR commitment: Rs1Lakh+ only

When your team RUNs for FOM’s Project Shiksha, it provides educational support to pediatric cancer patients and dependents of cancer patients on lifelong treatment. It ensures families do not have to choose between the cost of cancer treatment and their child’s education.

Call us on 82912 03943
Email us at [email protected]
Message us on our social media handles.

This TMM 2027 RUN for FOM, RUN for Project Shiksha

Help a child take flight. Because a child without education is like a bird without wings!

Viji Venkatesh The Max Foundation United Way Mumbai

09/09/2026

Coming up on 14 Sept 2026 at Kodaikanal International School

Viji Venkatesh, Board Member, The Max Foundation and Managing Trustee of Friends of Max (FOM) has been invited to speak to the students of the Kodaikanal International School on “The Power of Reinvention”.

This is part of a series of talks by professionals from various walks of life commemorating the 125th anniversary of the illustrious educational institution.

Speaking on this special occasion, Viji will draw from her journey as an accomplished cancer care advocate, author, activist and actor to inspire young minds that age is no barrier to reinventing oneself and achieving new heights in your chosen field.

As Viji says, “Grateful for the opportunity and honour and looking forward to connecting with the young minds who are going to be the future of our nation. I feel privileged to be part of their learning experiences .”

It promises to be an engaging and inspiring conversation about being fearless, having faith in one’s capabilities and discovering and embracing opportunities and new possibilities that life can offer at every stage.

Viji Venkatesh Kodaikanal International School The Max Foundation

03/09/2026

JAIPUR SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
22/9

The Max Foundation and Friends of Max in association with the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hospital will be organizing a Support Group meeting for CML patients and caregivers in Jaipur on 19th September.

This Patient Support Group Meeting is not just another gathering but a special occasion as we come together to observe World CML Day.

Date: 19th September 2026, Saturday
Timing: 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Venue: Vivekananda Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hospital, Sitapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan - 302022

Request all those in and around the city to join us and make this meeting a success!

Viji Venkatesh The Max Foundation Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur Priyanka Kandalgaokar Kubal Beena Narayanan CML Advocates Network Ashika Naik Jyotiy Parameshwaran

01/09/2026

FOM PATIENT ADVOCATE OF THE MONTH
AUG 2026

A milestone that's really etched in Stone- Part 4

https://friendsofmax.info/patient_advocates/a-milestone-thats-really-etched-in-stone-part-4/

So here we are with our 4th installment of our 25 years on Glivec Champs- Superhero Ashish Poddar of Mumbai.

Viji Venkatesh The Max Foundation

25/08/2026