Max Page - P 2012
Getty ImagesHe used the Force to captivate Super Bowl audiences (and start his family’s car). Now the boy who played mini-Darth Vader is counting on his strength for another challenge.
Seven-year-old Max Page is scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery Thursday, in a procedure related to a congenital heart defect.
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In an appearance on NBC’s Today show Wednesday, Max’s parents revealed it was their son’s eighth surgery in seven years, and that he has a special request for this one: He wants to take Darth Vader memorabilia into surgery with him.
Max, who appeared in the popular 2011 Super Bowl ad for the Volkswagen Passat, told his parents he was scared, but that he wants be positive.
“I don’t have a choice. I have to go through it. I don’t like it and it’s still scary — but I have to,” Max said, according to an email his mother wrote released by Deutsch LA ad agency. “So I think I might as well go through it with a good attitude.”
The email also contained a special message from Max to other children, a line he uses when he speaks in public.
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“‘Kids, if you use your FORCE and dream big, you can achieve anything,” he said. “We may be small — but we’re mighty!’”
Max’s procedure will take place at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, where he is an ambassador and has helped raise money for children with heart defects.
In addition to the Super Bowl commercial, Max has appeared on CBS’ The Young and the Restless and NBC’s Prime Suspect.
Watch the video below.
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