Chai For Cancer: A Fundraiser and Advocacy Model for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia/Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Patients and Caregivers in India
Authors: George P. 
Published: September 2018

Amount raised: During 2017, funds from Chai for Cancer Addas totaled approximately US$ 28,000 (IRS 18 lacs). Background and context: Chai for Cancer ( www.chaiforcancer.org ) is in a sense, a satellite brand of Friends of Max ( www.friendsofmax.info ). Friends of Max is a registered Public Charitable Trust and the support group arm of The Max Foundation in India. In India chai or tea is a household drink. At its best in an informal setting, an Adda serves a dual purpose as a fund-raiser and advocacy platform. It is based on the concept of an informal gathering among well-wishers and caregivers supporting underserved cancer patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The chronic condition is made manageable by life-long treatment. Aim: Chai For Cancer is a dynamic fundraiser and advocacy model for CML/GIST patients and caregivers in India. Strategy/Tactics: In 4 years, now on the cusp of the 5th year, Chai for Cancer has built up a creditable legacy of trust and an extended family of volunteers that networks throughout the year with the ability to attract new segments of donors/well-wishers and patient/caregiver participants. Funds thus raised support patient group meetings which facilitate various patient-related activities and patient–physician interactions which form the bedrock of FOM's dictum “Together We Share And Learn”. Potential donors are approached and educated informally about how to host an Adda. Once the host expresses interest, support is provided to the host in terms of tea bags and paper cups (from Society Tea), literature (printed leaflets, brochures elaborating the concept, newsletters) and receipts (U/s 80 G of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961). Program process: An Adda is usually hosted by members/volunteers belonging to Friends of Max although it is not unusual for persons who have simply heard of Chai for Cancer to get in touch and express interest in hosting an Adda. The emergence of new hosts like D Y Patil University and IDEAL (Institute of Design Expression Art and Learning) in Ahmedabad, Jayanth Jayaprakash's India To Excellence 2020 in addition to long-time supporters Society Tea, Being Human-The Salman Khan Foundation, Manish Mandhana Retail Ventures, Mahotsaav Entertainment, Radio One and Red FM is testimony to the strength of the fundraising/advocacy model and a platform to encourage openness, empowering patients and caregivers. HNIs from various industries have also been donors. Costs and returns: The entire process is manned by senior, experienced people who volunteer their time and professional skills. Year-long publicity is generated through social media (FM radio stations, Web site www.chaiforcancer.org Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). What was learned: This is a personalised and intimate approach to raising funds for patient-related activity. This approach ensures known and accepted sources of funds within a growing family. It is different from crowd-funding techniques.