One young boy's extremely challenging health journey through epilepsy has inspired one of his elementary school classmates to find a way to support him. 

Eleven-year-old Maddox Just and his family live in Morris. Over the last two years, he's had many grand mal seizures. According to a social media post from Melony Gibson-Just, Maddox's mom, the family recently received answers about what was happening following numerous doctor's appointments, scans, blood tests, medications and medication changes. Maddox has a brain tumour, approximately the size of a walnut, on the top left side of his brain. 

"What does this mean? Well, it means there are many, many more appointments, scans, MRI’s, CT’s, EEG’s and blood tests to come," stated Gibson-Just in the post. "He has a 5-day stay in hospital coming up February 27-March 3. This is where they will hook him up to an EEG machine for 5 days straight, and induce up to 3 seizures to get more information about what is happening in his brain. They have told us that if they do not operate he will start to lose function in his right hand." 

Now the family is preparing for surgery, which will happen in either Toronto or Minneapolis. 

This is where Charlie Berg comes in. The nine-year-old Morris School student heard about Maddox at school.

"It is going to be very expensive for his parents to pay for everything," says Charlie. "There is gas and hospital stays and going away for his surgery, and anything else they need to pay for.” 

Although Maddox and Charlie didn't know each other at the time, he wanted to use his passion for art and hockey to help Maddox and his family. His mother, Jennifer, recalls the moment her son came to her with his idea.

“A few months ago, Charlie lost one of his friends to cancer. And when we discussed what was happening with Maddox, he came to me a couple days later and said this is what I want to do, 'Mom, I want to do Jets, pictures, Jets drawings, and I want to raise all the money for Maddox,’”  

Those interested in donating can pick any Jets players to be drawn. 

"I love the Jets, so I wanted to draw something that I loved," exclaims Charlie, whose favourite players are Teemu Selanne and Dale Hawerchuk. 

Originally he wanted to raise $500 for Maddox. The number has skyrocketed past that goal and is now at $2050. Charlie is still accepting orders with a new target of $2500.  

"They can reach my mom on Facebook at Jennifer Gregorchuk, or by text at 204-872-2632 or email at jennig9@gmail.com." He says. 

Then, came a special moment for Charlie and Maddox. The two boys met in person for the first time at a fundraising event. 

"They had a trivia night for him in Morris about a week ago, and I brought Charlie to meet Maddox and his mom," Jennifer explains. "Maddox was overjoyed to meet Charlie. He came running over and said thank you so much, Charlie, and gave him a big hug." 

She adds the last few weeks have tugged at her heartstrings almost daily as she's witnessed her young son think outside himself while he does all he can to help someone else. 

"He is a very creative little boy that has a huge heart."  

You can support Maddox's journey by clicking here. 

With files from Corny Rempel and Chris Sumner.