Max is a 12-year-old who was in Chicago the week of December 5, 2016 for treatment.  Max was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).  Max used to live in Barrington, IL and had been receiving treatments at the old Lurie Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park just as Alyssa when she was there.  He had his first open heart surgery at 3 days old.  He later had surgeries at 9 months and at 2 1/2 years old he underwent a heart transplant. Max later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) from the anti-rejection medication.  Max has been battling NHL since the age of four. 

Max and his family now live near Miami, FL.  We first met Max on July 23, 2016 at RMH in Chicago where we hosted a music afternoon to celebrate Alyssa’s 21st birthday!  Max and his dad, Jared, sat in the audience to enjoy the Court & Country Vocal Ensemble that afternoon.  Soon after this event, Max submitted his gift request to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH).

Max is a vibrant young man who has been helping others since he was 3.  He did his first public speaking to raise money for Ronald McDonald House and Lurie Children's and continues to help them as an Ambassador. 

Max's interests include music, science and video games.  Jared said Max loves anything that is pre-80's and continues to amaze them as he will be listening to classical one day and 40's blues the next. Jared also told us that his family is very blessed to have Max as one of their children and treasures each day they get to spend with him.

On Friday, December 9th, Yoli-AAFH President, met Max and his dad at the RMH in Chicago to deliver his limited-edition Gold Beats.  Max expressed his thanks and appreciation to the AAFH for his gift.  Max’s attitude is upbeat and is a happy pre-teen considering his circumstances.  We hope listening to his favorite tunes through his special Gold Beats will bring him lots of joy!

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