Max

Max Chapman is the inspiration for Tee It Up! For the GFPD. Max is 12 and lives in Bloomington, Illinois. He has PBD (Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorder). Max was diagnosed at 15 months old and PBD has impacted his vision, hearing, liver, muscle and bone strength, and general physical and cognitive development. Max cannot walk, but stays active by crawling, kneeling, and rolling along in his wheelchair or adaptive stroller. He wears glasses and has a cochlear implant and hearing aid. He wears braces on his feet to correct muscle and tendon weakness and flexion issues. Max attends a special education class and receives several therapy sessions on a weekly basis. Through everything, Max remains a happy, energetic boy who loves his family and playing with his toys. Swimming and floating in the water are an especially favorite and relaxing activity for Max.

There is currently no cure for PBD and more funding is needed for research. PBD is a degenerative disorder and Max will continue to face additional impacts as he gets older and the disease progresses.

Max is just one of the hundreds of kids battling PBD that will benefit from the research and support provided by the GFPD. Max is an incredibly sweet and happy little dude, and here is just a sample of the joy he brings into our lives.