Former Patient Finds Strength and Purpose Through Running

Nearly 20 years ago, 4-year-old Max underwent spinal cord surgery at Shriners Children’s Lexington.

Today, at 23 years old, he’s a marathon runner chasing finish lines and giving back to the place that helped launch him toward his future.

Max was born in China with a tethered spinal cord, a condition where tissue limits the movement of the spinal cord, often requiring surgery to prevent complications as a child grows.

He was later adopted by a family in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who were fully prepared to face the emotional and financial challenges of his condition. But thanks to a recommendation from Max’s pediatrician, his parents learned that Shriners Children’s Lexington could help.

“They were ready to find the best doctor, ready to take on the cost,” Max said. “But with Shriners Children’s Lexington, all of that was wrapped into one. They gave me the best care, and they covered the cost. That lifted a huge burden from my parents.”

Max’s surgery, performed by Vishwas Talwalkar, M.D., was a success.

“Since then, that injury has never been an issue,” he said. “I’ve grown up healthy, active and passionate about sports – something that may not have been possible without Shriners Children’s Lexington.”

From Swimming Lanes to Marathon Miles

As a child, Max channeled his energy into competitive swimming, a sport he would go on to pursue for 14 years, including at the collegiate level. After graduating from Harding University with a degree in computer science and theological studies, he began looking for new ways to stay active.

“I got into running,” Max said. “And through a new community I found after college, I was encouraged to run my first full marathon.”

He took on that challenge in Eugene, Oregon, where he completed his debut marathon in an impressive 2:45:29 – fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

“It’s hard to describe what it felt like to cross that finish line,” Max said. “Even when I was just yards away, I thought I might fall over. I was so exhausted. But it was an emotional, self-fulfilling moment. It validated all the training and stress. It paid off.”

Now, Max is training for the 2026 Boston Marathon while preparing to run the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team Shriners on October 12 – something he never expected but is incredibly grateful for.

“Seeing these two worlds collide – my passion for sports and the organization that helped make it all possible – it’s been really special,” Max said. “Running for Shriners Children’s feels like everything has come full circle.”

A Message for Current Patients and Families

Though Max doesn’t remember much about his early experience at Shriners Children’s, his parents often reflect on how seamless and supportive the process was.

“They reached out, and Shriners Children’s Lexington just said, ‘We’ve got you,’” Max said.

That spirit of compassion and generosity is something Max carries with him.

“You never know what the outcome is going to be,” he said. “But I want families to know that Shriners Children’s really does care. They want to help you now, in the moment, and they want to make it as easy as possible.”

As he builds his career in the cybersecurity field and continues to train for elite races, Max’s story is one of resilience, drive and gratitude. And it’s a reminder of the lasting impact of world-class pediatric specialty care delivered with compassion and regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status.

“I’m honored to run for Shriners Children’s,” Max said. “It’s my way of giving back to the people who gave me the chance to grow up strong.”