Submitted
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (PMCH) at Ascension St. Vincent recently celebrated Maximus Grau, a remarkable young patient from Sheridan, who was honored as the Honorary Fever Ball Kid during the Indiana Fever home game on June 17.
Grau had the incredible opportunity to enjoy courtside access during warm-ups, meet Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, and see his story showcased at halftime on the video board – an unforgettable experience recognizing his strength and resilience.
Maximus Grau of Sheridan with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. (Photo provided)
When Grau was just days old, he was diagnosed with prune belly syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that refers to the wrinkled appearance of the abdomen due to the lack of abdominal muscles – and underwent his first surgery. Over the next few years, he was hospitalized several times for infections or dehydration and experienced Stage 4 kidney failure.
His mother donated her kidney to him on June 25, 2018, a day she will always remember. An Ascension St. Vincent associate, she feels blessed and grateful for this opportunity. In February 2020, Grau had his remaining kidney removed, and his family continues to look forward to many new beginnings. His journey is a testament to the outstanding care provided by the dedicated doctors, nurses, and support teams at PMCH.
“Ascension St. Vincent is committed to delivering compassionate, world-class care to children facing tough medical challenges,” said Stephan Masoncup, Chief Strategy Officer at Ascension St. Vincent. “Honoring Max as the Honorary Fever Ball Kid is a reminder of the resilience and hope that drive everything we do.”
The Honorary Fever Ball Kid program continues to shine a spotlight on the bravery and determination of PMCH patients, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to compassionate pediatric care and meaningful experiences.
About Ascension St. Vincent
Ascension St. Vincent operates 19 hospitals in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, and clinics serving Indiana, and employs more than 13,000 associates. In Fiscal Year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent provided more than $357 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty throughout the state. Ascension St. Vincent is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Visit ascension.org to learn more.