‘Mighty Max,' 6, Battles Rare Cancer

Community gives generously as word of boy's struggle spreads

Hundreds of Cardiff-by-the-Sea residents and business participated in a fundraising event to help six year-old Max Kleckner who suffers from a rare cancer.

The boy, also known as Might Max, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2008.  He was declared cancer-free that same year and attended kindergarten with his friends.  But about one year later, the cancer returned.

Seven mothers had originally organized a small movie-night to help raise funds and help the family with rising medical costs.  Once word spread about the boy's struggle with cancer the Cardiff community gave generously.

Friday's fundraiser included silent auctions of spa packages, sporting goods and other items like a skateboard autographed by legendary skater Tony Hawk. Many vendors in the Cardiff Town Center pledged that proceeds would go to Kleckner and his family.

"We're very thankful for what everyone has done," said Natalie Young, Max's mother.  

Young said finding doctors to cure his form of cancer was very difficult, which first appeared as a brain tumor and then spread to his bone marrow.

"He's been surprisingly and resilient and been very strong in fighting this disease," said his father Mark Kleckner.

Max seemed to be in very good spirits at the event and only stayed briefly since he was at a time in his treatment where his white blood cell count was low, making him susceptible to infection and other illness.

Contact Us