Max

 

Max is six years old. He has undergone 30 procedures at Phoenix Children's. Yet when a nurse asks him if he'd like a toy, his reply is always, "No, those are for the sick kids."

 

Max has a congenital heart defect, was born with half an intestine, and has a genetic disorder that affects his connective tissue. Diagnosed during pregnancy, Max has been with Phoenix Children's from the very beginning, and spent the first eight months of his life in the Hospital.

 

He's your typical first-grader and loves school. He tires a little more easily than most kids, but is bright, happy, and, according to him mom has an incredible ego. "It's because everyone here has been so kind to him. As far as he's concerned, he's Superman. And we've never led him to believe otherwise."

 

Although Max will need more procedures, he doesn't seem to mind coming to Phoenix Children's. "The first time we took him to Disneyland he screamed with fright," says his mom. "But we can bring him here and he's skipping and jumping. It's like coming home to him. He knows when he's at Phoenix Children's that it's going to be okay. And so do we."

 

Max is so dedicated to helping the other children that he started Max's Market, raising money for the Hospital to provide toys for the patients. He tells us about the Hospital in his own words:

 

What do you think of Phoenix Children's?

It's good. I order food. I like the trains and the fish. When we're here I walk around.

 

Why? Is it boring to stay in your room?

No. Well, maybe a little.

 

Why did you start Max's Market?

To save money for the kids and give them toys.