Introducing our December Granite Stater of the Month: “Mighty” Max Mendez

Our Granite Stater of the Month for December is someone who is inspiring, resilient, and generous — 8-year-old Max Mendez, perhaps better known as “Mighty Max” and “Professor Max.” Max has been battling leukemia for over a year, and has proven to be a shining example of the values that make the Granite State — and all of our communities — strong.

As Max began treatment last year — procedures, blood draws, and tests — he was often rewarded for his courage and grit. Boston Children’s Hospital had a supply of toys and he would be rewarded with one. Max received so many toys that he started to donate some of them to other kids, and realized that giving toys felt even better than receiving them.

In the face of his own severe health challenges, Max started “Mighty Max’s Mega Toy Drive” to help supply the Jimmy Fund Clinic, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital’s hematology and oncology floor with presents for brave young patients like himself.

In true Granite State fashion, Max and his family received invaluable support from their community, including friends, local businesses, schools, sports teams, and the local police department. Max’s community donated toys, offered space as collection sites, and delivered donations to Max and the Mendez family.

With extra help from his sister, Mckayla, and the Lyna family who helped advertise the toy drive and store donations, Mighty Max’s Mega Toy Drive received roughly 3,000 toys ahead of the holiday season this year.

Mighty Max, the Mendez family, and all of the Granite Staters in their community who supported the toy drive demonstrate the spirit that makes New Hampshire such a strong, resilient state.

While battling leukemia and enduring painful treatments, Max found it in himself to bring joy to others who face similar challenges, and his entire community is stronger because of his generous spirit and hard work. Max can serve as an inspiration for all of us during this holiday season and beyond, and I am proud to call him our Granite Stater of the Month.

If you know someone you’d like to nominate for next month’s Granite Stater of the Month you can fill out the form on my website here.