Valley Cottage teen turns illness into innovation with ‘RagePAD'
The idea came after he slammed his desk during a tough moment in a video game and realized there had to be a better way.
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Fourteen-year-old Maxim Harris, of Valley Cottage, has spent years battling cancer — but in the middle of chemo treatments and missed school days, he found a way to turn that struggle into something powerful.
Maxim created the RagePAD, a desktop punching pad that gives gamers a safe outlet when frustration hits.
The idea came after he slammed his desk during a tough moment in a video game and realized there had to be a better way.
When a middle school project required a business plan, he decided to bring his idea to life.
Video games have long been a lifeline for Maxim, helping him stay connected to friends like his best friend Chase when he’s too sick to go out. Now, the RagePAD has become a real startup — and Maxim is already selling hundreds online.
He also donates 20% of every sale to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where he continues his own treatment.
A powerful reminder that creativity — and resilience — can grow even in the toughest moments.
