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 Maximillian (“Max”) was an extraordinary young man who had a natural sense of justice, quiet dignity and a wonderful, albeit unconventional, sense of humor. Max was full of dreams and schemes for his future and had an unbridled enthusiasm for life. He had a deep love of children and planned one day to work at a day care center, but what he wanted most in life was to be a daddy. Max was also the only and deeply beloved son of Tracey and David Buelow and dear brother to his sisters, Emily, Ilsa and Lena. Max’s young life ended after a four year battle with a rare form of bone cancer. He was just 11 years old.
Max’s battle with cancer did not begin with his own diagnosis. His oldest sister, Emily, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia when she was only 4 years old. Emily underwent more than 2 years of chemotherapy and a grueling bone marrow transplant. Max was by Emily’s side throughout her entire treatment. He was her friend, her confidant, and when she was finally strong enough to return to school, he was her protector. They shared a deep and loving bond which only got stronger when, at the age of 7, Max was diagnosed with a Ewings sarcoma tumor. Emily understood the pain and side effects of chemotherapy, the heartbreak of losing hair and the loneliness and isolation of not being allowed to play with friends for fear of infection. They were a great source of courage, strength and inspiration for each other. Emily is now healthy and cancer free. She is deeply grateful that she could be there for Max, the way he was there for her.
In honor of Max and out of deep love and respect for him, the MAX OF A MILLION DREAMS FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH has been established to fund research into Ewings sarcoma and other rare forms of cancer. Throughout the course of Max’s treatment, the Buelows were told time and time again that Max’s type of cancer was so rare that it got very little research funding. Little is known about Ewings sarcoma and many of the other cancers which affect children.
Max had many wonderful qualities, but perhaps his greatest gift was the love, tenderness and caring he showed to everyone he loved. He always thought of everyone else before himself. In keeping with Max’s legacy of love and caring, it is the Buelow family’s greatest wish that a cure can be found for cancer. It is for this reason that the Foundation which bears Max’s name is such an appropriate commemoration.
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