Running For Max

On November 3rd, I am running the TCS New York City Marathon as my "run to retirement" race.  This will be my final full marathon and I wanted to make it the most special so I am running it for Max Holden.  Most of you have been supportive in the past while our dear friends, Tahj and Carrie have had their lives turned upside down when Max was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma on March 7, 2018.  

After many ups and downs at their original hospital with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapies & multiple side effects, they trusted their guts and switched Max to Memorial Sloan Kettering.   Since switching, they have been able to let Max live a mostly normal life outside of the hospital, which was so important to his family.    

Max looks like any other healthy almost three year old, smiling, running, laughing and being a little naughty.  I want everyone to remember that he will still be in treatment for the next two years.  Max will be given oral chemo therapy, a treatment of vaccines, as well as hospital scans and checks to make sure nothing has grown or changed.  

This sweet little boy has gone through so much more than most people in his big little life, yet somehow, he has never lost his smile, silliness and kind heart.   We can all learn from Max and how positively he and his family have stayed throughout this whole thing. Tahj and Carrie have become a stronger couple, Max & Cole have built a stronger brotherhood, and all four of them are a more giving family with so much appreciation for life.   

This race is 100% for Max, Cole, Tahj and Carrie.  Every step I take will be for them.  Every time my body hurts or when my mind is telling me it can't go another step, I will think of Max and know if he can go through what he has been through and still smile, I can finish.  My race will be over and my body will hurt for a bit, but I am ok and the book is closed.    Max has another two years.  

If anyone has matching at their work, please think about doubling your donation.  Any amount is impactful and adds up.  Also, please keep him in your prayers

Thank you so much for taking time to support my friends and sweet and courageos Max.    

See you on the course,
Maria