Meet Miracle Kid Max!

We have families that go above and beyond to share how Stormont Vail’s programs and services have helped them. When you give to Children’s Miracle Network at Stormont Vail Health, you’re helping kids like Max, one of our miracle kids.

Each day, 43 families in the United States will hear the words “your child has cancer.” The following is Max’s story. It is being shared to not only help create awareness to childhood cancers, but also as a true example and testament to Max and his family’s strength and resilience.

It was a typical Tuesday evening; Max was eating supper with his mom when he told her he wasn’t feeling well. Upon sneezing, Max’s nose began to bleed uncontrollably, and continued for the next two hours. After being admitted to Stormont Vail Health, and undergoing numerous tests, Max’s parents were told he had leukemia. He was 2 ½ years old.

For the next three years, Max underwent chemo and steroid treatments, while his parents took turns staying home from work to be with him. It was a long journey back to health, but Max was strong and never gave up.  Neither did his parents.

Max was treated at Stormont Vail Health partly because of one doctor’s extraordinary actions.  The first night at the hospital, the doctors were having trouble putting in his pic line. They headed to radiology, and amidst the chaos, Max lost his pacifier. As they were frantically looking for it, the doctor left the hospital, went to a local grocery store, and bought him the exact one he lost.

Today, Max is cancer free! He is a passionate and excited 13-year-old. He aspires to be an actor, chef, musician, engineer and athlete. Max is currently in seventh grade, where he is involved in student council, is on the school cross country and the track team. Outside of school Max plays competitive soccer, the piano and drums. He is involved with the local civic theater where he has appeared in Fun Home, The Best Christmas Pagent – Ever and School of Rock the Musical.    Max enjoys being an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network and help raise funds to help other kids and Stormont Vail.