From One Difficult Day to a Movement
It was July Fourth weekend in 2020. Max Levine was just 8 years old — in the middle of a pandemic — when he learned that his mom, Hilary, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He couldn't visit her in the hospital during her bilateral mastectomy. He didn't know where she was or what was happening. His grandmother had also recently battled breast cancer. The fear was real, and it was indelible.
But Max didn't let that fear sit still. He turned it into fuel. Using the sports he loved most, he began raising money for Northwell Health's Breast Cancer Initiative Fund. What started as a small idea grew into something that drew national attention, a historic Northwell Health award, and appearances on television from Long Island to national daytime TV.
Now 14 years old, Max has surpassed $30,000 raised — all of it going directly to Northwell Health's Breast Cancer Initiative Fund at the Katz Institute for Women's Health. His mom recovered. And Max has never stopped pushing forward.
During the pandemic, Max learned his mom Hilary had breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy — and he couldn't be by her side. His grandmother had also just come through breast cancer. Hilary, just 38, wanted to be a role model through the hardest moment of her life. Max decided he would be one too — in his own way.
Max emailed his lacrosse teammates asking if they'd buy pink decals for their helmets. He built a Google Sheet and personally sent a thank-you note to every single donor. By the time he woke up on October 2nd, he'd already raised $500. He finished with $2,000 — every dollar to Northwell Health.
Max pivoted to tennis and sold racquet vibration dampeners, raising $3,000 — presented directly to his mom's surgeon at Northwell. He directed the funds to the patient navigation program: nurses who support patients through every step of a breast cancer diagnosis. Emmy Award-winning ABC7 reporter and breast cancer survivor Stacey Sager broke the story to the world. News 12 Long Island also ran a video feature.
At the 32nd Annual Katz Institute for Women's Health Luncheon & Fashion Event at Old Westbury Gardens — attended by 600+ supporters and raising $800,000 — Max received the inaugural Partners Council for Women's Health Youth Impact Award. His "Play for Pink" basketball tournament with corporate sponsors and Level Up Long Island had brought in $7,000+. Northwell Health Foundation President Brian Lally was visibly moved presenting the award.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Max and Hilary appeared together on The Sherri Show — a nationally syndicated daytime program — sharing their story with audiences across America. Stacey Sager again covered Max's award for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Fox 5 New York ran a feature: "12-year-old boy honored after creating a nonprofit to raise funds for breast cancer research."
Max is now 14 years old and has surpassed $30,000 raised for Northwell Health. What started with lacrosse decals emailed to a few teammates has become a nonprofit, a nationally recognized cause, and a growing community. MaxOut4Pink is no longer just one kid's story — it's yours to join.