'Quite Amazing': Beverly Warrior Weekend Crew Makes Special Visit To Boston Children's Hospital Patient

BEVERLY, MA — Two-year-old Maxwell Smith loves anything that goes "Vroom! ..."

From cartoon cars to real-life trucks and planes, the Burlington toddler finds joy in the sound of a motor even when he is not afforded the normal life of a carefree kid.

Maxwell has leukemia and is frequently hospitalized for days at a time for what would be a normal childhood fever for most kids. It was two weeks ago — as the family was looking forward to bringing Maxwell to Beverly for a Warrior Weekend full of giant military apparatus and planned Blackhawk and Coast Guard helicopter landings at the high school — when Maxwell showed a fever once again and had to instead spend the weekend at Boston Children's Hospital.

But, instead of missing out, Maxwell was treated to his own personal show.

Through the coordination of Beverly Veterans Services Director David Perinchief, it was arranged for several videos and personal messages from crews at Warrior Weekend to be sent to him in his hospital room, as well as a special flight pattern for the Blackhawk helicopter back from Beverly that day so that Maxwell could see it from his hospital room window.

"It was very, very generous of them," Meghan Ryan, Maxwell's mother, told Patch. "I was a bit blown away. They were very kind enough to send some videos and FaceTime with Max.

"They definitely made it special for him under those circumstances."

Meghan said that, while Maxwell was OK within a few hours of the fever spike, the protocol of three to four days in the hospital had to be followed.

When the helicopter appeared in the distance of the Boston skyline, Maxwell dashed to the window and got a glimpse of the very same crew that had messaged him earlier in the day.

"They really made us feel included in the experience," Meghan Ryan said. "It was quite amazing."

She said the military vehicles and aircraft were "right up his alley" for the youngster who was visited by a custom Lightning McQueen car from the Disney/Pixar film "Cars" for his Make-a-Wish approval.

"It's been rough for him, but there is a lot of support out there," she said.

Capt. Emily Wren and her Blackhawk crew were part of the Warrior Weekend in Beverly that brought more than 5,000 residents and visitors out to enjoy two days of apparatus displays, re-enactments, inspiring ceremonies, informational services, and live animal and martial arts displays.

The weekend is designed to help veterans find dedicated and earned services, inform residents about and foster appreciation for the military and service personnel, and simply be a fun experience for children struck with awe at the sight of a helicopter landing or a massive tank or truck.

Meghan Ryan said organizers' efforts "really made us feel included and was over the top" and that she can't thank all those involved enough for making her son's day in the hospital something a memorable one.

Next week, she and her family will look to give back for all the efforts on her son's behalf when they participate in the Eversource Walk for Boston Children's Hospital at the Hatch Shell.

As of last week, the Burlington Warriors team had raised more than $16,000 in the name of Maxwell and family friend Eliana.

Those wishing to donate to the walk in the name of the Burlington Warriors can do so here.

"We are trying to do our part to raise awareness and give back the best way we can," Meghan Ryan said. "Even though we are dealing with what we're dealing with, it feels good to give back to others.

"We can't control him having leukemia. But we can control what we do to help others who are going through the same thing."