This page is designed to accept pledges to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in honor of Maxwell Richardson so the hospital can continue to change the lives of children in need of health care and their families. The following is a brief description of Maxwell's experience with Children's Hospital.

Maxwell was admitted to Children's Hospital on March 13, 2003 due to dehydration and a suspected case of pneumonia. Max's condition worsened throughout the night and the next morning he was taken to radiology for a routine procedure to remove fluid from his right lung.

During the course of the procedure the doctors ran into complications as Max's blood wasn't clotting and they couldn't figure out why. A team of critical care doctors worked for several hours attempting to stabilize Max before informing Max's family that they had only about 2 more hours to find a solution before Max would bleed to death. The doctors estimated that Max's likelihood of surviving was less than 5%. Miraculously, the doctors determined Max had a rare strain ("T Antigen") of the pneumonia and were able to stabilize him by providing him with blood transfusions with "washed" blood that consisted solely of platelets and red blood cells. At this point the doctors figured Max had a 50/50 chance of surviving the next couple of days. After a long struggle that included 26 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and an additional 52 days on the intermediate care floor Maxwell was discharged.

Unfortunately, Max suffered the following damage due to various complications: - Max had the tips of 9 fingers and 6 toes amputated; - Max suffered bleeding on his brain that resulted in brain damage similar to a stroke. He received several months of rehabilitation learning how to regain the ability to walk, talk, and eat; - Max's kidneys were damaged and essentially "shut down" and never recovered. He received kidney dialysis for 10 hours each night from March 13, 2003 until July 13, 2004. The good news is the fact that on July 13, 2004 Max received a "new" kidney from Jane Piering (a cousin of Max's dad, Scott) via a transplant.  Max has been eating and drinking much better and as a result his G-tube was removed and surgically closed last December (2006).

It has been just over four years since the transplant and Max is feeling great. 

Max finished first grade in May and will start second grade in August. This summer he has been keeping busy by attending swimming, drum and golf lessons.

There is no question that without Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Max would not be with us today. In addition, the extent of Max's permanent damage would have been far worse had he not been admitted to Children's Hospital. They have the finest doctors, know the latest techniques, and have the finest equipment in the country. All of this is possible in large part because of the generous financial contributions made by individuals like you who share a passion for protecting children. While Maxwell will need continuous medical attention for the remainder of his life we feel completely confident knowing Children's Hospital will be there with us every step of the way.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor Team Maxwell Richardson. Any amount will make a difference but please try to give generously! Both Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation and Max's entire family truly appreciate your donation. Many thanks for your support!