It’s been three years since Maryann Rocklin lost her son, Max, to Kawasaki disease. During that time, she has not wavered in keeping her son’s memory alive and educating others about the disease. Last week, Maryann donated more than 40 Nerf guns to Phoebe’s pediatric unit in celebration of what would have been Max’s 11th birthday on July 21.
 
Max was seven years old when he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a serious illness that mostly affects young children. During his stay at Phoebe, Child Life Specialist Mandy Fagiano found one way to put a smile on his face.
 
“Mandy came in the room and gave Max a Nerf gun. It instantly put a smile on his face, especially when he found out he could shoot the doctors! That little gesture made him feel normal again, like nothing was wrong and it kept him interacting with everyone. I would run all over his room picking up those little darts,” said Maryann.
 
Maryann has made it her goal to keep her son’s memory alive by helping others and paying it forward. She created a Facebook page called Mighty Max’s Pay it Forward in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. “Max lost his battle with Kawasaki disease on July 16, 2014. He was a very loving and giving child, so in honor of Mighty Max on the 16th of each month our family pays it forward. We might pay for someone’s food, give flowers to someone or donate money to a cause – we just want to brighten someone’s day,” continued Maryann.
 
She also hands out business cards she made that include Kawasaki disease symptoms. Maryann says, “Education and knowing the symptoms is key in treating the disease.”
 
It is estimated that more than 4,200 children are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in the United States each year. The disease causes inflammation of the body and coronary arteries. If left untreated it could cause serious damage to the heart – that could be prevented with early treatment. Classic symptoms of Kawasaki Disease include red, bloodshot eyes; cracked lips and red tongue; red, swollen hands; high fever; red, swollen feet; and rash involving much of the body.