Max Huseby of Hot Springs, Arkansas, has barely left the confines of his hospital unit since March of last year. But thanks to his supportive church community and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the 10-year-old, who is fighting a rare form of leukemia, was granted his dying wish of attending church one last time.
“To come to One Refuge Church, that’s what he wanted. To come to church!” the boy’s mom, Monique Huseby, told KTHV-TV.
Max’s father, Mark Huseby, added that the outing was his son’s first time leaving the hospital in over a year.
“He’s only seen the outside from the window,” he said.
In addition to helping him attend One Refuge Church with his friends and family, Make-A-Wish provided Max with an Xbox and a big party with cake, gifts and dozens of first responders and community members touched by his story.
“This is the first time he can have kids that he can play with and pop balloons with and just be a kid with!” Mark said.
If given the opportunity to fulfill a life-long desire, most 10-year-olds would probably opt for an exotic trip or a meet-and-greet with a sports hero. And while these things are wonderful, Max’s comparatively simple request to worship at his home church has touched people all over the country.
Max’s teacher, Mandy Hunter, told KTHV that the boy she dubbed “Mighty Max” has changed her life, along with countless others.
“He’s so selfless. He doesn’t ever think about himself, he’s always thinking about other people,” she said.
The boy’s father proudly attested his son’s character, noting that even Max’s doctors have been moved by his positive attitude in the midst of such a grisly cancer battle.
“Doctors would ask him every day how he was doing, he’d say…’Good!'” Mark said.
Getting to see Max commune with fellow believers after a grueling 13 months of relative isolation was clearly a tremendous blessing to his parents.
“Overwhelmed … just absolutely filled with joy to see him happy,” his dad said.
Those who attended Wednesday night’s gathering prayed over Max, thanking God for his mighty witness.
Speaking at the fun-filled celebration held in his honor, Max took a moment to address the group of friends, family and fellow congregants.
“Thank you for praying for me,” he said.
Please keep the Huseby family in your prayers as they seek to make Max’s final days at home as comfortable as possible.