Max Oppio Transplant & Recovery Fund (Maximus)

The following is the Oppio's journey and current travel and treatment plans at this point - as told by Mr. Max's mom (that's what I call him - Mr. Max). Please open your hearts, send your thoughts and prayers and please open your wallets and help this family if you can - they really need to spend their time and energy helping Max through this entire process (and supporting Ti - read on you will find out about that amazing kiddo as well - Max's younger brother). Taking the financial strain off of them is something we can do to support and help them - please help if you can (this part is written by their family friend Rochelle) -

Momi's words are next (Max's mom):

Hello all. My amazing son, 14 year old Maximus Oppio, was recently diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. It’s a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells.

Max's catastrophic illness hit our whole family like a freight train. He remains transfusion dependent until he receives a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. We were fortunate enough to find that Max's little brother (Ti) is his big brother's 10/10 DNA match! Ti will be Max's donor! The transplant will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The process leading up to transplant day is currently underway and we are anticipating (an honestly hoping) to be heading over to Salt Lake City, Utah within days (we live in Reno and Salt Lake is more than 7 hours from our home). Unfortunately, the procedure and road to recovery will be a long one and extremely costly, due to the fact that this is not able to be treated locally. Max's dad, John & I will have to alternate traveling from Reno to Salt Lake City, taking turns to be at Max’s side through the process, as well as maintaining our home in Reno, as our two other kids are not allowed (per hospital rules) to be by their brother's side during his recovery. Ti is to return home to Reno shortly after donating to his brother (just so I am clear about the process for our amazing hero as well).

Max must remain in Salt Lake City for more than 100 days - he is required to remain there for at least 100 days after the transplant, in order to be near his medical team. He will be under the treatment and care of Primary Children’s Hospital. It is anticipated that he will be in the hospital for 4 to 6 weeks of that time, then after he is released from the hospital we will need to remain in Salt Lake City, living somewhere close to the hospital, for the remainder of the time.

After Max is able to return home to Reno, his treatment will continue locally. It will be approximately 1 year from diagnosis to cured, if all goes well. Monthly visits back to Salt Lake City, Utah will be required for more than 6 months after he receives the bone marrow transplant. With all of this going on, neither of us will be able to continue our current means of employment. Our friends have urged us to post this request for your help as we struggle through this long, stressful, unfortunately extremely expensive journey.

Thank you so much for your support, it is truly appreciated.