Max Facts:

• Max has Stage 2b Neuroblastoma Cancer (Malignant tumor of the Adrenal Gland)
• Max also has an extremely rare Neurological autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome called OMA (Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia)
• 600 kids a year are diagnosed with NB (only 5-6 with OMA)
• OMA causes body jerks and abnormal eye movements, ataxia (tremors, shaky, low muscle tone, learning and behavior problems, and speech impairment.)
• OMA symptoms may return during illness, fever, stress, sedatives or anesthesia, tapering or discontinuation of immunotherapy, and after immunizations.

·         Relapses of OMA are common and may be treated with additional rounds of chemotherapy, steroids, and blood product infusions.

·         Checkout Max’s Beads of Courage – He collects beads for each procedure, appt, and poke he receives.

·         Max has seen 42 different doctors or providers in 6 months

·         Max had 106 Dr appointments at Children’s Hospital since Nov.

·         84 Speech/Physical/Occupational Therapy appts since Nov.

·         He has 5 different therapists meeting with him weekly

·         Has had 9 tests or procedures needing full anesthesia

·         14 overnight visits in the hospital/2 ER Visits since Nov.

·         He can take up to 9 medications twice a day

·         He will get monthly infusions through the port in his chest for 2-3 more years.

·         Max is now eligible for a wish from Make-a-wish foundation.