SPECIAL REPORT | Gan Li Li was just 37 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). While not life-threatening if treated, the diagnosis still came as a shock to the events planner.

She was overwhelmed by how she did not know anyone with CML, the side effects of Imatinib, the drug she was prescribed, or how to live with the condition.

All this changed after she was introduced to a patient support group called Max Family by a fellow CML patient.

Four years on, Gan now has her CML fully under control and is back at work as an events planner.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, she said being part of Max Family was integral to helping her understand her condition and to get back on her feet...