Whiz Kid Takes Baton in Grandfather's Memory

Max Rebori 

School: Fourth-grader at

Accomplishment: Getting Rogers Elementary involved in fundraising for the 2011 Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley.

Honoring his grandfather: The 2011 Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley will take place June 11 and 12 at David H. Shepherd Park in Oak Park. The relay, according to the American Cancer Society's website, “is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.” The way it works is each team has a representative on the track for 24 hours “because cancer never sleeps,” the ACS says.

Max Rebori, 10, is up to this challenge, thanks to a supportive family and school and inspiration from his grandfather, who lost his battle to cancer almost two years ago.

Max's mom, Jennifer Rebori, said their family and friends make up Team Cutler.

“My dad, Phil Cutler, was on the Recreation Board for Oak Park for over 30 years and the mayor dedicates the relay in memory of him,” Rebori said. This will be the second year the event is being held in Oak Park and the second year it will be dedicated to Cutler. The event included Berkley last year, as well.

Team Cutler, so far, is listed as the top fundraiser on the event's website. Max recently met with his principal to see if he could follow his family's example at his school, Rogers Elementary.

Principal Mary Coughlin said she was impressed with Max's preparedness when he politely asked for her support during the meeting.

“Max's mom and Max brought in posters, material, information for parents and piggy banks for each classroom,” she said.

In a letter to Max's mom, Coughlin wrote: “It is great to see a student taking initiative and so passionate about a cause.”

Coughlin said she wants to support Max in his effort to raise funds for the event “any way that she can.” She said she met with Max's teacher, Ashley Seidl, and the school plans to back his mission. Coughlin said she will inform the school and the community in May, when they will kick off the effort.

Raising money for the ACS is a mission that is near to Max's heart, as he had a special bond with his grandfather.

“Max and my dad had a very special relationship,” Rebori said. “My husband and I both work, so it would be my dad who picked Max up from school every day until we got home. My dad was a very big man, 6-foot-4 and over 300 pounds, and Max is just a little guy. It was too cute. He would go to Max's soccer and baseball games.”

Rebori said Max showed strength beyond his years when his grandfather got sick. 

“It was very hard on him. But, even when my dad was home in the care of hospice, Max would sit at my dad's side and hold his hand, share with him his daily events and never showed any sign of fear, even though he was scared as can be.” 

Max's family became involved with the ACS soon after. Recently, they met for a kick-off meeting to the local Relay For Life event.

“It was then Max decided he wanted to bring the fundraising to Rogers,” Rebori said.

In describing her father's relationship with Max, Rebori wrapped it up in a way that may sum up how Cutler would likely feel if he could see Max's efforts now.

“He was very proud.” 

Key to awesomeness: “Max is a wonderful student, mature and polite," Coughlin said. "It's wonderful to see a fourth-grader take such initiative.”

Visit here to donate to Team Cutler.