Pat Garcia-Gonzalez

For more than 25 years, Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, CEO of The Max Foundation, has dedicated herself to improving the lives of cancer survivors around the world. A native of Argentina, Pat has a master’s degree from the University of Washington and a technical degree in nursing.

Pat is the cofounder of The Max Foundation, established in 1997 in honor of her stepson, Maximiliano “Max” Rivarola. Under Pat’s direction since 2005, The Max Foundation is dedicated to accelerating health equity by delivering medication, technology, and services to patients facing cancer and other critical illnesses. 

Pat is an active leader and collaborator in addressing patients’ needs for accessing treatment. In 2021, she became chairperson of the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (ATOM) Council, a global partnership sponsored by the Union for International Cancer Control, that brings together 40 leading organizations with the shared goal of improving access to essential cancer medicines in lower-to-middle-income countries.

Pat is an advisor to the CML Advocates Network and the International CML Foundation and has served on the Board of the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations. Pat has been honored with the first CEO Award from the Union for International Cancer Control; the distinguished Golden Tennis Shoe Award from United States Senator, Patty Murray; the first National Cancer Institute Global Cancer Medicine Humanitarian Award; and the inaugural iCMLf Prize by the International CML Foundation for her role in leading The Max Foundation.

Most recently, Pat was recognized by OncoDaily as one of the 100 Influential Women in Oncology. She was also named among the Fierce 50 Honorees in Health Equity, honored with the “Hero of Kenya” award on Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day) in Kenya, and recognized with the 2023 Global Hero Award by Global Washington.