Our Story
Mission
The MaxYourBrain mission is to share stories to motivate others and raise funds for innovations in technology and brain cancer research to improve treatments for cancer patients.
MaxYourBrain is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Founder -
We Are Not Here Just to Live—We Are Here to Thrive
Max Merget’s journey began at age 3, when he was diagnosed with stage-four brain cancer occupying nearly two-thirds of his head. The tumor, roughly the size of a grapefruit, was removed through surgery, followed by grueling rounds of chemotherapy.
By age 4, the cancer had returned, requiring another surgery and radiation therapy. At 7 years old, a third recurrence meant yet another brain surgery. Despite each setback, Max continued moving forward.
After a decade cancer-free, Max’s resilience was tested again at age 17. His neurosurgeon delivered the news: “Max, your cancer is back... but we have options this time.” Instead of traditional surgery, Max underwent Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), an advanced, noninvasive form of radiation therapy. That experience reinforced an important truth: while cancer may return, so does progress in medical innovation.
At age 28, Max faced his fifth brain tumor and underwent his fourth brain surgery. Once again, he recovered and returned to life.
Then, at 31, the cancer returned for a sixth time. Max underwent his fifth brain surgery—an awake craniotomy—and came out of surgery facing new physical challenges, including significant loss of function on the right side of his body. The experience brought him back to something he has learned repeatedly throughout his life: recovery is not simply about surviving. It is about adapting, rebuilding, and continuing forward when the path changes.
Those experiences are the foundation of MaxYourBrain.
Having now faced brain cancer six times, Max knows firsthand how much medical innovation, patient advocacy, resilience, and human connection can change someone's journey. Through MaxYourBrain, Max and the team are dedicated to sharing stories that remind people they are not alone, supporting innovations in brain cancer research and treatment, and helping others find a way forward through adversity.
Because we are not here just to live. We are here to thrive.
