Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer at The Max Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“My final message for the year has four words: “Do Something Good Today.”
As 2025 comes to a close, I note the mantra that sustained my faith through the year. Two words, “do something,” later grew to four words: “do something good today.” If each of us does something good today, we can change the world.
Earlier this year, I met ordinary people doing extraordinary things in El Salvador and in Guatemala, and was reminded of the common humanity that bonds us all, no matter where we live. All we all want for ourselves, and our loved ones, is a chance to walk our life journey with dignity, love, and hope. I had the honor of listening, connecting, and learning from many human beings. I met dedicated medical providers and wonderful people, who are living with cancer; nevertheless, they live their lives and show up for their families, their work, and their communities.
I was lucky to meet for the first time my dear friend, Jessica, whose story I have followed since she was diagnosed with cancer when she was 16 years old. Today, all grown up, Jessica has a master’s in law, a supportive boyfriend, and a good job where she shows up every day for her community. I met two very young girls, both diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. Now 6 and 7 respectively, I wondered about the lifelong challenge facing them and their loving parents.
I met a couple of inseparable 20-year-old twins, who finish each other’s sentences; one of them lives with leukemia, while the other walks the journey right beside his brother. I met José, a circus clown by profession, living with cancer for 18 years. José shared that while at first, he felt fear and sadness, believing his diagnosis was a death sentence, through the support from the community, he not only received life-saving medication, but he also rediscovered his will to live. Today, José encourages others, saying,
“You can live, laugh, dream, and achieve goals, as long as you stick to your treatment. You can also live as an artist, as a parent, as a human being.”
I was reminded that The Max Foundation is a global movement of people helping people. These are deeply genuine connections we have developed with you among others through the years as the result of each of our own life experiences. Today, your generosity can bring hope to families facing cancer diagnosis. I implore you to join us today and help more families get the support they need.”
More posts featuring Pat Garcia-Gonzalez on OncoDaily.