Maximus Jacob Presta, born 16 weeks early on Feb. 20, died Friday at Kaiser Permanente hospital in Downey. He was 9 months old. Maximus weighed only 1 lb. 9 ounces at birth. His parents, Chris and Jody Presta, said they were told by doctors “to abort him or he would never survive childbirth or take his own breath.”

“Well, Maximus became a remarkable young man,” they said. “Nine months at the Kaiser in Downey only to succumb to a fungal infection that became septic in his blood. Not his lungs, his lungs allowed him to take his final breath on his own.

“Our son Maximus was dealt a lousy hand but showed more bravery, kindness and was stronger than any man I have ever known. Everyone that came into contact with him knows Maxie lived life on life’s terms, but he did it his own way. He proved everyone wrong.

“He was the greatest gift any two parents could ask for.”

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Published: Nov. 27, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 33