The 2024 iCMLf Prize is awarded to Viji Venkatesh

The 2024 iCMLf Prize has been awarded to Viji Venkatesh, Regional Head, India & South Asia at The Max Foundation. This award recognises her remarkable contributions to advancing cancer care and patient support, particularly in low-resource settings. Throughout her 35 years of experience in leadership roles at The Max Foundation and in many other community roles, Viji has established pioneering initiatives and patient support programs that have made a true difference to so many patients living with cancer in South Asia and beyond.

The iCMLf Prize acknowledges outstanding achievements to low- and middle-income countries to address unequal access to monitoring and treatment of CML.

‘Alongside The Max Foundation’s patient access programs throughout South Asia,
Viji established the Friends of Max patient support group for CML patients, which now has more then 20 local chapters throughout India representing more than 18,000 members. Viji also encouraged patient leaders in the other countries in the region to form similar support groups. She is a global leader in the CML advocacy community and very deserving of the iCMLf Prize’ (Pat-García Gonzalez, CEO of the MAX Foundation)

Passionate leader, patient advocate and humanitarian

Viji Venkatesh's journey in cancer care and advocacy is a testament to her profound dedication to alleviating the burden of cancer on individuals and communities. Her story is one of resilience and compassion, rooted in personal experiences and losses that shaped her mission to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

She began with The Max Foundation in 2002 and led the administration of the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) in India. In 2003, she started the Friends of Max patient support group. Today, this program has over 250 ‘Group Volunteer Leaders’ representing thousands of members across India.

Viji Venkatesh is also an Executive Committee member of the Marrow Donor Registry India and the Terry Fox India Committee. She is also a trustee of the Being Human – the Salman Khan Foundation as well as the Friends of Max Charitable Trust.

‘We knew well about her excellent work and strong leadership in support of CML patients in India and the region. But our recent visit highlighted how much she does for patients with CML and to say the iCMLf Prize is well deserved is a gross understatement.’ (Jorge Cortes, iCMLf Chairman)

Through her leadership, Viji has spearheaded initiatives that address critical gaps in cancer care, particularly for underserved populations. One such initiative, "Chai for Cancer," stands out as a testimony to her innovative approach to raising awareness and funds for cancer patients. By leveraging a simple yet powerful symbol - a cup of chai - she has successfully mobilised support and solidarity, transforming communities into advocates for cancer care.

In addition to her professional achievements, Viji Venkatesh's personal mission reflects a profound appreciation for life's simple joys and a strong commitment to supporting others in their time of need. As we celebrate Viji’s accomplishments, let us also acknowledge the countless lives she has touched and the legacy of compassion and advocacy she continues to inspire.