Support Max's Fight Against AT RT Cancer

UPDATE AS OF 03/13/2025

Hi! This is an update of Max.

Max went through his second round of chemo with stem cell transplant a couple weeks before Christmas, and this time it hit him way harder than the first time. After a few days of treatment, Max had to be transferred to the PICU due to some respiratory issues that ended up in septic shock with respiratory failure and kidney failure. He got intubated before Christmas and started dialysis 24/7 right after Christmas. He has been fighting super hard and finally left the vent 2 months later. During this time, he left the dialysis, but he got an EVD, to help control the pressure of his head as a side effect of the resection surgery, which is already gone by now.

Now Max is doing better, he still needs some support on his respiratory system at night with a BiPaP. He got very deconditioned from being paralyzed for so long, so he has lost most of his milestones, he is working on them.

Next steps for Max are to go to Shirley Ryan for inpatient rehab to get back those milestones and get those lungs the strength to work without extra support.

Thank you for your support and prayers all this hard time.

Thanks,

Mom ❤️

Meet Max! Max is a 10 month old who enjoys spending time with his older sister, mom & dad and all of his friend at daycare. He’s such a happy baby whose smile can light up a room. He loves reading books, playing with bubbles and enjoys spending time outdoors. Unfortunately Max was recently diagnosed with Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor also knows as AT/RT cancer. AT/RT is a rare type of tumor usually diagnosed in childhood. Although it is usually a brain tumor, AT/RT can occur in the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, which is the case with Max. Max will be undergoing multiple procedures and treatments including aggressive rounds of chemotherapy for the next 2 months. The hope is that there will be a positive outcome with chemotherapy so that removal of the tumor is possible. As we know treatment/procedures, medical expenses and hospital stays can affect day to day living, so we are asking that we come together as a community and help the Gornicki Family fight this together. No donation is too small. Anything counts, especially your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all your support and prayers!