Help Max (and May) in his big fight with cancer

Hey, this is Chip Marvin (GoFundMe told me to introduce myself!)

As many of you know, on February 27, 2024, Max went to the ER with a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. Instead of being sent home with the expected antibiotics, a 13x7x11 cm tumor was discovered in his chest pressing on his lungs and heart. Subsequent tests confirmed it to be a primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (aka PMBCL) with complications of fluid around his heart (pericardial effusion). Since then, Max has completed his first and is in the middle of his second round of at least six chemo sessions. Each session involves 5-6 days of hospitalization and daily therapies followed by two weeks or so to recover during which time he experiences a roller coaster of feeling terrible, daily blood draws and constant monitoring, gradually recovering, only to start the process once again.

Max is a freshman at the University of Utah. A 4.0 Dean’s list student choosing to study biomedical engineering/pre-med. He is hoping to stay current with his academics, but the brutal chemo regimen, lack of energy, chemo brain fog, and other medical demands may make this difficult. Mayling is an occupational therapist contracted in Jackson and serving students in outreach schools in Wyoming.

On a positive note, the prognosis for this type of lymphoma is promising. Aggressive tumors like the one Max has, are often more responsive to chemo. Max and May have health insurance which it is hoped will pay for many of the costs of this intensive and expensive therapy.

That said, the financial challenges of a health emergency like this are severe. We want May to have the time and space to be able to be with and help Max as much as needed. Lost wages, non-covered medical expenses, and the cost of maintaining a household in Jackson, WY and staying in Salt Lake will add up quickly; and this is the kind of medical emergency that can send a family into a financial spiral. We don’t want that to happen here!

So, please, give generously to Max and May to help Max beat cancer and May be the best mom she can be for her son during this difficult time!

If you prefer, you can also drop a donation off at St. John's Episcopal Church on North Glenwood made out to St. John's Episcopal Church with "May and Max" in the memo and they will gladly pass the funds through to them.

For the most up-to-date information on Max’s cancer journey, please go to his Caring Bridge page .