The Max Foundation was established in honor of Maximiliano (Max) M. Rivarola. Max was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 19, 1973. Max was a typical child who was very active in sports, and loved to play rugby, tennis, and to ski. He was also a good student. Max attended San Miguel School in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. He was very popular and had many friends.

At the age of 14, Max was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). His parents were told that his only chance for a cure was a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, Max was an only child and neither one of his parents was a match for a transplant.

Max’s family took him to Houston, Texas, USA, where he received treatment under the care of specialists, Dr. Moshe Talpaz and Dr. Hagop Kantarjian at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center. For two years, his parents searched for a match in all worlds’ bone marrow registries without success. Max underwent an autologus transplant in January of 1991. The transplant was unsuccessful.

Max Rivarola laid down his struggle against CML on March 9, 1991 at the age of 17. He fought this most difficult battle with outstanding courage and strength.