Max, a St. Jude patient, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer, in 2018. He arrived at St. Jude when he was four years old, but the illness had progressed to the point that he had lost sight in both eyes.

However, this does not prevent him from experiencing life to the fullest. His fortitude is unsurprising given that he was born in the Year of the Snake, and persons born under that sign are said to be bold, determined, wise, and appealing.

He now practices jiu-jitsu, enjoys riding on the back of a tandem cycle, and enjoys the bounce of a trampoline at the age of eight.

He loves playing with his 6-year-old brother Sebastien, who is his best friend, and eating chicken fried rice for Lunar New Year. He also appreciates the hiss of a sparkler in his palm, even if he can't see the fireworks.