Max Heals in Harmony with his Care Team

At age 6, Max rested his fatigued fingers on piano keys and began playing. Through each crescendo, his discomfort from cerebral palsy faded — at least for a moment. Now as a teen, he found expert treatment, including music therapy, at Children’s National Hospital.

“Music has a strong healing power,” Max says. “Playing guitar and hearing one of my nurses play his original song cheered me up after a long surgery. It helped me fight through my nausea and headaches, making them disappear almost instantly.”

As an ambassador for the Race for Every Child 5K Run/Walk, he encourages others to support compassionate care for kids like him.

“Every doctor, nurse and staff member at Children’s National treated me with love and empathy,” Max says. “Their kindness and community spirit made my time at the hospital feel like summer camp.”

In July 2024, Max performed “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan in the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden. He uplifted patients, staff and even the chart-topping artist, who applauded Max’s cover on social media.

Max has since gone on to perform alongside one of his doctors to kick off the Children's Ball at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. — his biggest venue yet. “Children’s National taught me that nothing is impossible,” he says.