Maxwell is having brain surgery ~ Epilepsy warrior

Maxwell cockrum is an almost 9 year old boy that suffers from epilepsy. He started having focal seizures when he 3.5 years old and just after his 4th birthday he was diagnosed with epilepsy. He started to take medication to try and control his seizures. This was the start of several doctors visits, tests, hospitalizations, and medications with no real answers on why Max was having seizures. His family did not give up. They decided to seek help with the medical team at Strong in Rochester, NY. They started the journey again with more doctors visits, testing (which included hospitalization), and more medication changes. With no real answers still his family asked if they would repeat the MRI that was previously done elsewhere. The second MRI showed that max has abnormal brain tissue in the left temporal lobe. He was then diagnosed with focal cortical dysplasia, the talk of brain surgery began. Max had to go through more testing to make sure he was a candidate for surgery. The end of July max and his family met with the neurosurgeon, Dr. Webster Pilcher for a consultation. Dr Pilcher explained that by removing the abnormal tissue max would have a greater chance at less seizures, with the possibility of being completely seizure free! The family decided to start the process of scheduling Max’s surgery. He has been scheduled for October 5th, 2023 for surgery. Max is expected to be in the Strong Memorial hospital for 5-9 days with an average being 7 days. Then he has approximately 3 months of recovery at home. The family will have a lot of extra expenses with travel, food, gas, ect over the next few months during and after Max’s surgery.

This go fund me is being set up to help the family alleviate extra expenses they may have during this time. Every donation, no matter the size, will help reduce the financial burden and allow the family to focus on what matters most – Max’s health, well-being, and full recovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read some of Max’s story and for keeping him in your thoughts. Please continue to send all your love, prayers, positive vibes, and messages of strength. Thank you!