Every Cup Helps a Cancer Patient
1 small act. 1 big difference.
Donate now to help patients get life-saving care.
Raise your cup.
Drink to a cause.
Why Chai for Cancer?
We turn your daily chai into support for cancer patients in need.
Founded by Viji Venkatesh of The Max Foundation and Friends of Max, this campaign powers treatment, nutrition, schooling and testing for those who need it most.
How Your Donation Helps?
Every rupee makes a real difference.
You can be the reason someone gets treated on time.
- Cover a Meal:
₹500 covers the cost of a daily nourishing drink
₹1000 helps a patient eat healthy during treatment.
- Fund a Test:
₹2500 supports vital monitoring tests
- Ease Their Journey:
₹1500 covers travel for hospital visits.
₹2000 covers lodging cost in city of treatment
Your Donation in Action
It Works Because It’s Real
No stage. No script.
Just people helping people.
Addas create real connections and real impact.
Ready to Make an Impact?
- One-time
- Monthly
Make a donation
Instant online donation.
80G receipt included.
Become a Monthly Supporter
Set up once. Change lives every month.
Set up an automatic monthly donation
and be part of someone’s healing journey all year round.
80G receipt included.
Host a Chai Adda
Want to do more? Host your own Adda with our free starter kit. Gather friends, raise funds, and change lives.
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chai for Cancer initiative?
Chai for Cancer is a unique awareness and fundraising campaign launched by Friends of Max to support patients living with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Gastrointinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), two types of rare cancers. Through symbolic cups of chai (tea), it invites people to donate and show solidarity with those affected. Bringing an often feared and dreaded condition like cancer into the atmosphere of warmth, camaraderie and well being that a cup of chai invokes, the campaign helps in dispelling myths and misconceptions associated with cancer and helps people fight the fear.
How will my donation be used?
Your contribution directly supports the cost of diagnosis and monitoring, travel and lodging, schooling for pediatric patients and other seemingly small and yet unmet needs of our patients belonging to the weaker economic sections of society.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations made to Friends of Max are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act (India). You will receive a receipt for your records.
Can I donate from outside India?
Yes, Friends of Max accepts international donations through FCRA Account. For more details write to friendsofmax@gmail.com.
Are there other ways to support Chai for Cancer besides donating money?
Absolutely! You can host a Chai for Cancer Adda (informal hangouts complete with a cup of chai and refreshments to bring together like-minded donors and supporters of the cause. It is a simple attempt to raise awareness in the community about the needs of cancer patients and hold a fund-raising event that will provide vital support to those facing such a diagnosis), help spread awareness online, volunteer with Friends of Max, or support merchandise from the campaign.
Where can I track how funds are being used?
Friends of Max provides annual reports, stories from beneficiaries, and campaign updates on their official website and social media platforms. Transparency is a core value of the initiative.
Who are Friends of Max?
Friends of Max is the largest Patient Support Group of its kind for individuals diagnosed with and on lifelong treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) & Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), two rare cancers that afflict thousands across India.
How long has Friends of Max been working in this space?
FOM is a registered public charitable trust which for the last 22 years, has been a beacon of hope for these patients and their families.