Max Acuto’s Inspirational First Pitch at Fenway Park Battling Leukemia
Guest Contributor
At Fenway Park this week, a moment of resilience and joy unfolded that transcended the game itself. An 11-year-old boy named Max Acuto, who has spent the past two years bravely battling T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, took to the pitcher’s mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game. The roar of the crowd, the historic green walls surrounding him, and the presence of loved ones marked a turning point in a journey defined by courage, community, and hope. For families affected by childhood cancer, Max’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in even the smallest victories.
Diagnosed in 2023 at just nine years old, Max’s life quickly shifted from school routines and baseball practice to hospital stays and chemotherapy schedules. According to his mother, Courtney Acuto, the family spent long stretches in isolation due to Max’s compromised immune system. “There were so many times we were stuck in the house or the hospital because his counts were low, and we couldn't be surrounded by people,” she shared. That made Tuesday night’s experience all the more meaningful. “I'm just so happy to be here and have him have this experience,” she added.
For Max, standing on the mound at Fenway Park felt like a dream come true. “I play a lot of baseball. I've been practicing a lot. It was really cool. Being on that field and how many people there were,” he said. His love for the sport has remained strong throughout his treatment, and it has also connected him to new sources of support. Through the nonprofit organization Team Impact, Max has formed a bond with the WPI baseball team, who have become his cheerleaders and friends during this difficult time.
Max’s story is not only about the challenges of childhood leukemia, but also about the strength a young person can show in the face of unimaginable hardship. His father, Bryan Acuto, described the demanding treatment regimen: “Two out of three weeks he's getting chemotherapy. With the procedures he has to get, oral chemo at home, going in every Wednesday for treatment in clinic.” The family was initially overwhelmed by the prospect of two full years of chemotherapy. “I remember them telling us it was going to be two full years of chemo. I was like how do we even get there?” Courtney recalled. Yet Max’s steady spirit and positive attitude helped carry them through. “He is so resilient; so easy going, always has a smile. Honestly he got us through our hardest days,” she said.
Despite the grueling schedule of medical appointments and procedures, Max has continued to grow stronger, both physically and emotionally. His father reflected on the transformation: “It’s hard to imagine at the beginning of treatment we'd be here, and getting his strength back. Being able to watch that — the strength and perseverance he's shown has been really wonderful. The strength Max possesses I didn't know existed.”
I found this detail striking: the juxtaposition of Max’s quiet courage during treatment with the thunderous applause he received at Fenway Park. It’s a moment that speaks volumes about how far he has come, and how deeply his story resonates with others. The celebration at the ballpark was more than a ceremonial pitch; it was a recognition of every obstacle he has overcome and a hopeful glimpse toward the future.
Max’s journey is nearing a significant milestone. This December, he is expected to complete his two-year treatment plan. For his family, that moment will be the true celebration — a culmination of months filled with uncertainty, fear, and ultimately, resilience. The pitch at Fenway Park was a joyful chapter in that ongoing story, one that reflects the broader challenges faced by families dealing with pediatric cancer and the triumphs, large and small, that come with each step forward.
Events like these also underscore the importance of community support. Organizations such as Team Impact, and the embrace of institutions like the Boston Red Sox, help lift young patients and their families during their most difficult times. The connection between Max and the WPI baseball team is a testament to how sports can serve as a bridge — not just for entertainment, but for empathy and solidarity.
As Max’s story continues, it offers inspiration not only to those facing similar battles, but to all who witness the power of perseverance. From isolation in the ICU to standing strong on one of baseball’s most iconic stages, Max Acuto’s journey is a tribute to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and to shine, even in the darkest of times.
