The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) is delighted to announce that Maximilian (Max) Igielinski from Westlake, Ohio, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Kevin Child Scholarship (KCS), an annual scholarship for students with hemophilia pursuing post-secondary education. The Child family selected Max as this year's KCS award recipient from among more than 30 applicants. 

Max entered his freshman semester Xavier University this fall, where he is majoring in biology and taking pre-med courses on his desired path to becoming a physician. He cites formative experiences, such as spending many hours of his childhood as a patient in medical settings, as inspiring his chosen career path. Through childhood and his teen years, Max has gained an understanding of the healthcare system, the importance of strong patient-provider communication, and the value of compassion.

"My ultimate goal is to work with patients who have bleeding disorders and to provide care that addresses their medical and personal needs,” said Max. “I hope to make a meaningful impact on patients and the whole healthcare system by combining scientific knowledge with empathy and advocacy.” 

In selecting Max, the Child family were impressed with his academic achievements and his community involvement. They wish him the best of luck at Xavier and continued success as he pursues his medical degree. 

This scholarship is named in tribute to Kevin Child, who died of AIDS in 1989, shortly before his graduation from Bucknell University. In honor of Kevin’s legacy, the Child family established this program in the hope of offering some assistance to other students with hemophilia who are pursuing their own education. Since then, more than 30 students have received the KCS award.

Please consider honoring Kevin Child's memory through the impact on other young people with hemophilia by donating to the Kevin Child Scholarship fund.

In late winter, NBDF's Neil Frick Resource Center’s online list of scholarships for 2027 will be updated to include current information on post-secondary educational scholarships available to students living with inheritable bleeding disorders and their family members. Make sure to subscribe to receive updates from NBDF.

Learn more about previous KCS winners here. Inquiries about the Kevin Child Scholarship may be directed to info@bleeding.org.