Cleveland's Max Strus builds community to help children defying disease.

Max Strus launched the Max Strus Family Foundation, which distributed about $160,000 in 2025 to youth sports, cancer and mental health groups; he attended the recovery return of Paityn Castillo, a teenager who recovered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Paityn Castillo, a freshman from Oak Forest, Illinois, became ill in October 2024 and was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome after testing positive for strep throat. She spent six weeks in a pediatric ICU, was intubated for three weeks, and completed 14 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Therapists used a ceiling harness and other therapies as she relearned to walk and perform daily tasks. By August she had returned to high school volleyball, and Max Strus attended one of her games. Details: - Paityn experienced rapid weakness leading to hospitalization and a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in October 2024. - She underwent six weeks in pediatric ICU, including three weeks intubated, followed by 14 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. - Paityn took an unassisted step in February 2025 and returned to competitive volleyball in August 2025. - Max Strus, his sister Maggie Strommer and friend Jake Wimmer launched the Max Strus Family Foundation mid last season; the foundation focuses on youth sports, cancer organizations and mental health nonprofits. - The foundation distributed about $160,000 in 2025 and raises funds through camp registrations and a Cleveland bowling fundraiser. - Strus grew up near the area and cites YMCA experience and local charity work as influences; coach Erik Spoelstra praised his inclination to offer support. Summary: The article links a local recovery story with efforts by an NBA player to support youth and health causes through a small, relationship-focused foundation. The foundation distributed about $160,000 in 2025 and continues grantmaking in communities where Strus has lived. Strus is also nearing a return to play after offseason foot surgery, and further developments about his playing status are possible in the near term.