At 11 years old, Max is a boy filled with energy and joy. He loves playing Fortnite, enjoying sports, casting his line in search of fish, and spending long days at the beach, where the salty air and the waves always bring him peace.
On any given day, Max’s smile is as bright as the summer sun, a reflection of his love for life and the simple pleasures that make childhood so special.
But behind that smile lies a story of incredible strength and resilience.
Max is currently undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. This diagnosis, like so many others, came as a shock to Max and his family.
One day, Max was just being a typical kid, and the next, their world was turned upside down.
It all started when Max began feeling unusually tired, his energy fading as the days passed. What seemed like a simple illness turned into something much more serious when doctors confirmed the leukemia diagnosis.
In an instant, Max’s life—and the lives of his family—changed forever.
For his parents, the news was devastating, but they found solace in the expert care Max received at Dana-Farber. The doctors, nurses, and staff at the Jimmy Fund Clinic became not just Max’s medical team but a source of hope for the entire family.
Max’s strength and determination to fight back against the disease fueled their own courage to face the challenges ahead.
“Thanks to the care he received at Dana-Farber, Max is back to doing the things he loves the most—with strength and a smile!” says Courtney, Max’s mom.
Her words speak to the incredible impact that the treatments have had on Max’s recovery, enabling him to return to his favorite activities, even while still in treatment.
But Max’s journey is far from easy. Every day brings a new challenge, and even though the road to recovery is long,
Max has faced it all with an unwavering spirit. From chemotherapy sessions to the toll it has taken on his body, Max has shown resilience that far exceeds his years.
And through it all, his smile never fades.
When asked about how Max has handled his illness, Courtney shares, “It’s been tough, but Max is tough too.
He’s always had an infectious energy and a love for life, and that hasn’t changed. He still jokes around, still has that spark in his eyes.
It’s a reminder to all of us that even on the hardest days, we can still find reasons to smile.”
Max’s journey has also inspired many people outside of his family, including the hundreds of participants in the Jimmy Fund Walk, who walk in solidarity with families like Max’s. As one of the 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes, Max is a beacon of hope and inspiration to others.
His courage motivates the participants of the Walk, encouraging them to take steps toward ending cancer and supporting families fighting the disease.
“When you support Dana-Farber through the Jimmy Fund Walk, you’re helping people you may never meet—children, parents, and families fighting cancer every day,” says Courtney. “
Your impact gives them access to lifesaving treatments, hope for the future, and more time with the ones they love.”
The Jimmy Fund Walk is not just a fundraising event—it’s a movement. It’s a way for people to come together, to stand alongside those facing cancer, and to honor the strength and resilience of those who are battling the disease.
For Max’s family, walking in the Jimmy Fund Walk is not only about raising funds; it’s about showing support for Max and others like him.
“It’s more than just a walk,” Courtney continues. “It’s a way to stand alongside those facing cancer and to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of so many. Walking is a meaningful and inspiring way to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Through the Jimmy Fund Walk, Max’s family, along with countless others, join in the fight against cancer, giving hope to those who need it the most.
Each step taken by the walkers is a reminder that they are not alone in this battle—that there is a community of people, fighting together for a cure.
For Max, participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk, whether as a hero or a supporter, has become a symbol of everything he’s been through and everything he’s still fighting for. And while the fight against leukemia isn’t over,
Max’s determination to keep moving forward, to keep smiling, and to keep doing the things he loves, is a powerful testament to his strength.
As Max continues his treatment, his family holds onto the hope that one day soon, he’ll be fully recovered.
They envision a future filled with beach days, fishing trips, and lots of Fortnite victories. But beyond that, they cherish the fact that Max is still here, still fighting, and still inspiring everyone around him with his unshakable spirit.
Max’s story is a reminder that the journey through cancer is filled with challenges, but also with triumphs, big and small.
Each step Max takes on his path to recovery is a victory, and each victory brings him closer to the life he loves.
As the Jimmy Fund Walk draws near, Max and his family are more than ready to join in the fight. They walk not only for Max but for all the children, parents, and families affected by cancer.
Their participation is an act of love, hope, and gratitude, a way to give back to the very community that has supported them throughout their journey.
Together, Max and his family will continue to walk, to fight, and to smile, knowing that with each step they take, they are closer to a future where cancer is no longer a threat to the lives of children like Max.
With the support of Dana-Farber, the Jimmy Fund Walk, and an entire community of supporters, Max’s journey will continue, filled with hope for the future, strength for today, and determination for every step forward.
Max’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community. As he continues his treatment, his unwavering spirit remains a beacon of hope for all those fighting cancer.
