Resident raises funds for bloodmobile

IN MEMORY OF MAX- A bloodmobile named in honor of Max Buelow, a local boy who died from bone cancer in 2006, makes it easier for concerned citizens to donate blood to those in need. The vehicle was made possible by Peter Heumann, a friend of the Buelows who donated blood several times during Max's illness.

Peter Heumann of Calabasas has been volunteering to help charitable causes most of his adult life. Recently he directed a bicycle ride in downtown Los Angeles, the City of Angels Fun Ride. Proceeds were given to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to help purchase a muchneeded bloodmobile.

Now up and running, the "Max Mobile" is named after Max Buelow, an 11-year-old Calabasas boy who passed away in March 2006 with Ewing's sarcoma (bone cancer). He fought the disease for four years.

Heumann, who was a friend and neighbor of the Buelows, often donated blood and platelets for Max during the boy's illness. Peter saw a dire need for the bloodmobile and decided to help make it a reality.

"We all had to drive down to Childrens Hospital and give blood there. Now they have a blood mobile that will go out to special events," said Heumann's wife, Deborah.

Neftin Westlake Volvo helped sponsor the bloodmobile purchase.

Heumann works as an account executive for Wells Fargo and the company sponsors a regular contest that recognizes employees for their volunteerism. The winner receives $10,000 for his or her favorite charity. Heumann recently won the contest and his winnings were presented to the Max of a Million Dreams Foundation, a local charity started by Max's mom and dad, Tracey and David Buelow, to fund pediatric cancer research.

Max's older sister Emily, 14, was stricken with leukemia, but has since been in remission.

Learn more about the foundation and the work that Heumann and the Buelows are doing in the fight against childhood cancer by visiting maxofamilliondreams.org.

- John Loesing