Like all third-graders at Sappington Elementary School, Max Steingrubey attended an assembly at school earlier this month to learn more about what to do when someone has a seizure. As a classmate of Max battles a condition causing seizures, the school wanted to educate its students on the topic, equipping them to support their classmate and respond appropriately when needed. 

This new knowledge could not have come at a better time for Max, as a few days later he encountered his mom, Kate Steingrubey, having a seizure at home. Using the steps he learned at the assembly, Max called 911, as well as his dad, and timed the seizure while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

“Max is the kid that you can always trust. He’s just so full of love and kind and just does good. He’s just nothing but good, and it wasn’t surprising that he just jumped in to help, but I’m just so proud. I’m so lucky to get to be his mom,” Kate Steingrubey said. “I don’t know what karma I have to get to be his mom, or to be a mom to both of my boys, but I’m just so thankful. I’m so lucky. I am so incredibly lucky, and I mean, he truly saved my life.”

In honor of Max’s bravery, first responders from the Affton Fire Protection District and St. Louis County Police – Affton Southwest Precinct visited Sappington Elementary on Jan. 27, recognizing Max in front of his classmates and friends. 

“We are so proud that you took what you learned from an assembly home. You were able to showcase all the great things that you learned and you helped your family. You’re definitely a hero and you were brave,” Sappington Principal Ta’Keshia Parker said. “You are a superstar Sappington student.”

At the assembly, Max received a plaque from the school, a Lindbergh Flyers t-shirt from superintendent Tony Lake, a plaque from the Affton Fire Protection District and an honorary badge, patch and police chief bracelet from officers Captain Guy Means and Lt. Sean McGwire of the St. Louis County Police – Affton Southwest Precinct. 

New to Lindbergh Schools, the outpouring of support for Max has exceeded the Steingrubey’s expectations.

“I’m just so thrilled that I get to raise Max – and Wes, my other son – in such a caring and supportive community. I mean, we’re new to the school, and the amount of support and just concern that everybody has given us has just been just beyond my wildest dreams,” Kate said.