Thank You, Make-A-Wish: A Week We'll Never Forget

Some experiences stay with you forever, and creating those memories is exactly what Make-A-Wish specializes in.

For Maxim’s family, this year's MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia will always be one of those experiences.

Just a few months ago, Maxim found out his wish would be granted thanks to the incredible team at Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. Like many wish kids, he had spent a long time looking forward to the opportunity, and when he found out he was going, he was speechless—a state Maxim is seldom in.

When the moment finally arrived, the experience was everything we could have hoped for and more.

Maxim was one of five incredible kids from Make-A-Wish chapters across the country who were brought together by Major League Baseball with only two things in common: fighting a life-threatening illness and sharing a love of baseball. Each child had their own story, but for one unforgettable week, they all shared the same dream—being part of one of baseball's biggest celebrations.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn't just another sporting event. It was an experience designed to create memories that would last a lifetime.

Living a Dream Instead of Watching One

"For years, I have watched the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game on television," said Maxim. "I couldn't believe that this year I was right there in the middle of it. It still feels like some sort of dream."

"As the only one of the five kids still in treatment, I was really worried he wouldn't be able to keep up and enjoy everything," Maxim's father, Scott, explained.

"He was so energized he didn't miss a moment. He even spent hours on the field during batting practice at the MLB Futures Game and Home Run Derby. I was following them around in the stands with meds and everything, trying to stay close just in case, but he powered through it all. You never would have known he still takes chemotherapy every day."

Maxim soaked up every minute of the experience, meeting players, collecting signed baseballs and jerseys, and making the most of an opportunity he had dreamed about throughout the five years he has been fighting cancer.

He also attended the MLB Draft, which became even more meaningful as he and his older brother, Xavier, watched players Xavier had trained with and competed against hear their names called for a chance at the big leagues.

For a kid like Maxim, who grew up dreaming of pitching for the Red Sox like his heroes Pedro Martinez and Chris Sale, hearing those names announced was surprisingly emotional.

"It was one of those moments where the love of baseball brought five strangers and their families together in a way I don't think any of us will ever forget," said Scott.

Meeting Baseball Legends

One of the highlights of the week was the chance to meet players Maxim has admired for years.

He met baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Jimmy Rollins, along with many other current MLB stars whose games he follows every season.

What stood out most wasn't just the autographs or the photos.

It was how willing so many players were to stop, have a conversation, share a smile, and make a child feel seen.

"To every current player and baseball legend who took a few extra moments to talk with a wish kid, I really can't thank you enough," noted Scott.

"From personal experience, I can tell you those conversations mean far more than you probably realize. Those few minutes become memories that I will carry with me forever," added Maxim.

A Special Gift for David Ortiz

One particularly meaningful opportunity came when Maxim had the chance to leave a voicemail for one of his all-time favorite players, David Ortiz.

"I was sitting with Jimmy Rollins, who had me starstruck as it was. He was so nice to us. We were talking about my favorite players, and when I mentioned Big Papi and Pedro, he took out his phone and started calling them! I didn't know what to do. When his call to Ortiz went to voicemail, he introduced me, and I couldn't speak. I think I just said, 'I love you,' and 'Thank you,' because I couldn't come up with anything else," Maxim recalled, still looking amazed as he told the story.

During Maxim's battle with cancer, and again after learning his wish had been granted, David Ortiz had sent Maxim video messages encouraging him to keep fighting. He keeps those videos on his phone, and they mean the world to him.

Since Ortiz was busy covering the event for FOX, Maxim didn't get the chance to thank him in person. However, an MLB representative took the custom RagePAD that Maxim had made for him to pass along later.

"Being able to thank him—even in a small way—means a lot to me," said Maxim.

"I figured he probably gets a lot of pictures and gifts, but the RagePAD would stand out. Just like baseball, RagePAD has helped me stay focused through the challenges cancer has given me, so it just made sense."

Thank You to the Organizations That Made It Special

There are so many people and organizations who helped make this week unforgettable.

Thank you to Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley for granting Maxim's wish and Make-A-Wish Philadelphia for hosting the 5 families.  You helped us make memories we'll cherish forever.

Thank you to Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies for opening your doors and allowing wish families to experience All-Star Week in such an incredible way. Baseball has given Maxim so much over the years—not only as a fan, but also as a player.

Throughout his cancer journey, baseball has given him friendships, motivation, goals to look forward to, and moments of normalcy during some incredibly difficult days. The game has helped him in ways that go far beyond what happens between the foul poles.

We're deeply grateful to Fanatics, Mitchell & Ness, and Topps for hosting such an amazing experience and creating another highlight of an already unforgettable week.

Baseball Is Bigger Than the Game

One thing this trip reminded us is that baseball is about so much more than wins and losses.

It's about community.

It's about hope.

It's about friendships.

And for thousands of kids like Maxim, it's about dreams.

For these five amazing kids, it was about moments that reminded them that despite the incredibly difficult circumstances they face every day, there is still so much joy to be found.

"Watching Maxim smile throughout the week showed me exactly why organizations like Make-A-Wish do what they do," said Scott.

"These experiences don't just create happy memories. They create hope."

A Thank You from Maxim to the RagePAD Community

I would like to thank everyone who has supported RagePAD over the past year.

Every customer, every follower, every like, every order, and every encouraging message has helped make this small business what it is today.

Because of your support, RagePAD has been able to give back in meaningful ways to organizations like Make-A-Wish  that do extraordinary things for kids like me.

My wish meant more to me than I can put into words, and I love being part of RagePAD and seeing something I helped build make a positive impact—not just for customers, but for organizations that have changed the lives of so many kids.

As I look back on my experience in Philadelphia, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Gratitude for baseball.

Gratitude for Make-A-Wish.

Gratitude for everyone who helped make this experience possible.

Thank you for helping make memories that I will never forget.

-Maxim