Max S.

Max S. has always reached out to others in need. “That’s just the way he is,” said his mother, Laura. “He always wants to help. Every time we walk by a group or organization collecting donations, he contributes his own money.”

So when Max saw a television program about people who were dying from cancer, he naturally wanted to do something to help. “I asked my mom if there was anything we could do and she said we could make bracelets to sell out of pink rubber bands,” said Max. “I thought that wasn’t a bad idea and started making them right away.”

Max first sold his bracelets to his family members. His mother took orders at her work, and his grandmother started selling them to her friends. Max’s brother, Oliver, and his cousin, Will C., joined the effort. “Orders started backing up, so we called in help,” explained Laura.

In all, the family raised over $450 for breast cancer patients at Good Samaritan Hospital. The donation helped the hospital to purchase medications and new equipment such as the new 3-D mammography machine in the Breast Care Center.

“Max is an amazingly compassionate young man,” said Jennifer Pacheco, director of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. “Max exemplifies a philanthropic spirit of selflessness. He single-handedly raised over $600 that will be used to help patients to receive life-saving treatments. Max helps us save lives!”

Determined to help as much as he can, Max continues to sell bracelets and raise money for the hospital. “We usually sell them for $2, but some people have donated $20 to $30 for a bracelet,” he said.

But Max is thinking about branching out. He’s considering crafting necklaces or selling pink lemonade. As far as future plans, he has set his sights high: President of the United States. He has some sage advice for other kids who want to make a difference in the community: “Start small and it will bloom and then you will be great at it.”

Always humble, Max is thankful to those who have helped him in his efforts to raise money and brushes off any praise by simply stating, “It was nothing.” But to us at Good Samaritan Hospital and the patients you are helping, your kindness is everything.