Maximus Robert Derba
Maximus Robert Derba, known as Max, was born on February 18, 2008, at Norwood Hospital in Massachusetts. He was the youngest son of Justin and Laura Derba. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to sunny Southwest Florida, and he grew up in Cape Coral. He attended St. Andrew Catholic School.
Max was a fun and loving boy. He enjoyed playing video games with his brother and partner in crime, Declan. His favorites were Zelda, Minecraft and anything Mario. He loved plushies, swimming and finding buried treasure with his cousins, and he always looked out for them and made sure they were safe. He also enjoyed sword fights and Nerf gun wars with his dad and uncles, and beach days with his mom and family.
Max was the kind of kid others gravitated to naturally. He welcomed everyone and went out of his way to make sure no one felt left out. He was quick with a smile, and his giant blue eyes won people over right away. He was a natural born leader with an infectious laugh that filled the room.
In the summer of 2016, Max was diagnosed with high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma. He fought it for eight months at Boston Children's Hospital, through surgeries, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. His family called him Mighty Max, and his supporters became known as Max's Army. On March 6, 2017, he passed away in the arms of his parents, not even three weeks after his 9th birthday. A funeral Mass was held at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral. Graveside prayers followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
His family and friends keep his memory alive through Maximus Derba's Mission. It funds a scholarship in his name for an 8th-grade student at St. Andrew Catholic School who is continuing to Bishop Verot Catholic High School. The mission also raises awareness of neuroblastoma and supports families facing childhood cancer.
The world Maximus knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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