A GoFundMe account for the grandson of a longtime North Coast family.
Max McGraw, a member of the Van Beurden family who have been in Morro Bay and the surrounding areas since around the 1960s, is a 20-year-old junior at San Francisco State who grew up in SLO County. His family says he is a devoted son, grandson, nephew and loyal friend — “the kind of person who makes people feel seen, included and genuinely cared for.”
Earlier this month, Max and his family received the shocking news that he has acute leukemia.
“It is not something anyone expects at this age,” said fundraiser organizer Brenee Staples on GoFundMe. “But if there is one thing we know about Max, it is that he is strong and has an army standing behind him.”
Max is currently being treated at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, where he will undergo aggressive chemotherapy for an undetermined period. His parents, Share and Ineke, are by his side as he begins the fight of his life.
This fundraiser was created by friends of the McGraw family, to help ease the financial strain that comes with a diagnosis like this, including hospital stays, treatments, medications, travel and significant lost income as his parents step away from work to support him.
“Our goal is simple: to surround this family with enough support that their focus can remain on Max’s healing,” Brenee said on the online fundraiser page.
Every dollar raised will go directly to Max and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
“If you are able to give, thank you,” Brenee said. “If you are not in a position to donate, please consider sharing the page. You may also donate directly via Venmo to @inekemc. “We will share updates here as Max moves through treatment so you can follow along, send encouragement and celebrate the victories, big and small, together.”
Readers who want to donate, are asked to go to https://gofund.me/df74623cc or go to gofundme and search Standing with Max McGraw in his Battle with Leukemia.
