Max Meunier was born on July 15, 2019. Although perfect to all who love him his 4 months have been filled with an imperfect diagnosis and more obstacles and examinations than most of us have to endure in our whole life. Max has Hypoplastic Left Ventricle, a Complete AV Canal Defect, and some issues with valves that are not cooperating. In a world where we live for instant results unfortunately at this time Max's A-Team of doctors cannot use the typical procedures to correct these issues ... at least not at this point.

That means he will be a regular visitor to the Cardiovascular ICU at Riley as Max will need procedures throughout his life until an answer to our prayers, the procedure to fix his heart is discovered. Doctors at Riley have said that Max is not likely a candidate for a heart transplant because he has Down syndrome and kids with that diagnosis have different pressures in their lungs that makes the transplant not ideal.  We know there is an answer out there and I know Marni and John, along with their support army behind them will stop at nothing to find the solution for their Max! 

Max has a smile that stretches over many social media photos to warm your heart instantly and you can see his strength in his beautiful eyes. He has impacted so many people, he is a tough little guy with a long road ahead.  As Marni’s best friend, my heart has been touched by the many people who reached out to me to see how they can help Max. I began collecting donations to allow Marni and John to stay in Indianapolis once Marni was released from the hospital unbeknownst to either of them. 


Marni is not only a member of the Meunier and Mooney family but also the IU Basketball Family. I sent out 1 text to former coaches/ current staff and a few former players suggesting we help them stay near Riley and it was as if I had sounded an alarm for a call of action to ALL. Max was only a few days old and the outpour of love and support was an amazing to say the least. Basketball is a game to many but Coach Tom Crean lead the program as a family and we experienced amazing memories living it but the love for Max was the most humbling and astonishing feeling to understand what being part of something bigger than yourself meant. Some might adore an IU basketball player for their defense, hustle and scoring, coaches/ staff for their W/L results but John and Marni (and I) will adore them for this moment. Max will know these players for their heart, kindness and love. Marni has left her mark on so many and we are able to show her through Max. I could no longer keep this surprise from them, as I knew they would be able to rely on this love for strength in Max's journey.   Most  would feel this was enough but not for Max’s support warriors, John is the pastor at New Life UMC and Marni a teacher at Rochester Middle School also showed support for the family. They immediately began joining Max’s support army by raising money to contribute to their immediate needs.



Marni and John have done amazing by sharing Max updates and expressing gratitude of the countless ways Max’s fan club have kept the love from pouring in these past months on social media and seeing the responses brought me to begin this page. As I write this I say “WE” because I know I am speaking for many in saying the power of faith, love and unwavering support will never go away for all of them. We never want Max, Marni and John to ever have to say they cannot have a procedure, a hospital visit, daily assistance, therapy, whatever Max needs because of a financial reason.  As people keep wanting to help, I have finally convinced Marni to allow me to set up this page as a hub for Max updates but most importantly to provide us all with a way to answer the questions “How can we help?” or “What can I do for you?”

 

I know that Marni and John are so loved and have felt the overwhelming support since Max’s arrival, it is truly a beautiful thing to watch. They would be the first to help anyone in need, it has taken a long time to convince them to let me set up this to provide them with some financial support that can be used towards Max’s special needs, transportation costs, and medical bills. There is no end date on this request, I have chosen this amount because Max was born on the 15th and the reality is this is Max’s every day for the rest of his long beautiful life. We cannot all hold Max, hug Marni and John but we can send them our love through taking away some stress with this support.


 

Please feel free to donate here, Venmo or in person.