Denmark, WI -- A local boy from Denmark is taking on Arthritis at a national level.
Max Larsen is being named a National Honoree for raising an impressive amount of money for the Arthritis Foundation.
Max is a typical kid, but at just 13-years-old Max suffers from Juvenile Arthritis.
"When I wake up, it'll make my muscles and bones ache," said Max.
It's a diagnosis he received at just 8-years-old and a heartbreaking discovery for Max's parents.
"Knowing that he's in pain all the time, that's not fun for a parent," said Max's dad, Rob Larsen.
The disease doesn't hold Max back.
"He deals with it everyday. He plays sports and still does all the stuff a kid does. He never uses the disease to get out of anything," said Rob.
Max enjoys playing sports, spending time outdoors and playing with his friends. Even more amazing, Max has turned one of his hobbies into a way to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.
"I donated my animal from the livestock show," said Max.
Team to the Max was created for the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis and has since raised close to $43,000. The Arthritis Foundation named Max this year's National Honoree.
"To be named the top fundraiser, it's amazing. It's a huge deal," said Phil Melnarik with the Arthritis Foundation.
Max beat out 6 other finalists across the country for the title.
"You've got to give the kid credit. He doesn't need to do it and he does it. That's kind of neat," said Rob.
Max hopes his efforts can help find a cure.
Team to the Max is sponsoring an event coming up in Denmark. The 2nd annual BigOx Plop Bingo event is taking place at Circle Tap on October 8th.
All proceeds benefit Juvenile Arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation.
To learn more visit www.teamtothemax.com
To purchase tickets visit http://go.rallyup.com/bigoxplop-2016
