the Krempasky family had an “eye-opening” experience

Until you are faced with a life-changing injury, you might not know the importance of having a children’s hospital close to home. That’s how the Krempasky family says their eyes were opened to the need that Dayton Children’s fills.

Ten years ago, Max Krempasky was involved in a terrible ATV accident. The 1,200-pound vehicle landed on top of him, fracturing his jaw and spine – he suffered what’s known as “internal decapitation” at just 8 years old.

Today, Max is a survivor, and not only that – his whole family walked away from the experience with a mission to help kids. “The accident made me realize how much Dayton Children’s does for everybody, and it opened my eyes to giving to people in need,” says Max.

Max was transported to Dayton Children’s and was in a medically induced coma for five days. It would be five weeks before he could go home. During that time, his close-knit community kept him motivated.

“It was around the holidays and people were donating toys and giving to support the hospital in honor of him. We didn’t realize that need before we needed it ourselves,” says Drew, Max’s dad.

Max’s grandmother, Merry, recalls noticing other kids who were in the ICU and didn’t have as many visitors or gifts – so Max would share with them. It stuck with her.

In 2018, the Krempasky family decided to host a golf outing benefiting Dayton Children’s. The Robert W. Whitmer Golf Outing is named in memory of Max’s great-grandfather. This year’s event is Sept. 13, 2025. Overall, they’ve raised more than $30,000 to support kids like Max.

Drew says what surprised him most was the amount of people in the community who came out to support their family. “We didn’t know them; they didn’t know us, but they were willing to help with anything we needed,” he says. “I never felt like we had a chance to say thank you to every one of them. This golf outing is our way of continuing to say thank you and hope the money we raised reaches someone who needs it.”

Fundraising was new to the Krempasky family, says Michelle, Max’s mom. “We want to give back to the place that saved our son’s life so other kids can have the same experience as we did. When you have had such a great experience during a horrible time in your life, it’s easy to want to give back in any way you can.”