How Debut Sports Is Giving Back to the WakeMed Community

For brothers Maxx and Sam Cohen, what began as a shared interest in sports cards has grown into something much bigger — a business and a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

Sam had left Elon University, where he was studying to become a nurse practitioner. He returned home, and the brothers began talking about building something together. The answer came naturally: sports cards. With the sports-card market booming, the brothers saw an opportunity to turn their passion for sports into a business.

Today, their company, Debut Sports, founded in 2023 after they found themselves at turning points in their lives, specializes in sports cards and price ranges. They have been livestreaming and selling cards for more than three years. 

For Maxx and Sam, success isn't measured only by sales but by the difference they can make.

Sam shares, "For us, it wasn't just about sports cards. We used to live in New Jersey and moved to the North Carolina area about five years ago. We'd spent our early years volunteering under the guidance of our mom who is a doctor. I switched courses from becoming a nurse practitioner to build the business, but we were still committed to healthcare, and we needed a way to honor that commitment." 

“We love sports, we love people and most importantly, we love our community, which we consider our family,” Maxx adds.

That commitment to community is what led the brothers to begin supporting WakeMed, particularly in efforts benefiting children, mental health and cancer care. Thus far, they have given a $33,000 donation to the WakeMed Foundation, benefiting WakeMed Children's ($6,000) and the Courage to Confront Crisis Campaign ($10,000) and WakeMed Cancer Care ($17,000).

Turning Success into an Opportunity to Give

Sam shares that giving back has become one of the most meaningful parts of what they do. 

“There is nothing we care about more than making a difference.”

The brothers have seen firsthand how illness can affect individuals and families. They understand that during some of life's darkest moments, knowing someone is there can make a tremendous difference.

"We lost our grandfather to cancer about eight years ago," Maxx laments. "The impact of cancer left an indelible impression on us as we watched him decline and witnessed healthcare professionals step in to help." 

For the brothers, giving to Cancer Care is a way of giving on their grandfather's behalf, with hopes that one day researchers will find a cure. 

“It's a day-by-day struggle for patients who are suffering. We know just how much it means to see someone get help and, in their darkest moments, know that people are there for them, rooting for them,” Maxx explains.

The brothers recently had the opportunity to tour WakeMed with Ashley Simpson of the Foundation. 

“She was kind enough to show us around and break down how much time and love the staff put into their jobs.”

She expressed to the brothers how much goes into caring for patients and families and found in them willing hearts and open hands.

Ashley comments, "When Maxx and Sam first contacted us about a live stream donation, we were not sure what to expect. As we got to know the two brothers, we developed a very refreshing relationship with these young philanthropists. It's impressive how Maxx and Sam choose to direct their donations. It is very intentional, and it comes from a place of genuine care for others. They do not give for recognition. They give because they want to make a difference by supporting their local community."

Bringing the Community Along

One of the most powerful aspects of Debut Sports' fundraising efforts is that the brothers aren't giving back alone. Their livestream community joins them.

With more than 1,000 people watching at once, their charity events give viewers an opportunity to see their generosity in action — and realize that they, too, can make a difference.

Sam says, “Sharing the moments and memories with 1,000 or more people in our livestream while we raise this money, allows them to see and understand that they can make a difference too." 

For Maxx and Sam, that's the bigger picture: creating a culture where people encourage one another, give back and celebrate the impact they can make together.

“It is about the community, the family. Along with that, we spread the joy of giving back and loving one another. This is why we do it.”

Gliding through a Full-Circle Moment

The brothers chose WakeMed in part because of its proximity to home. Knowing that just a few miles away, patients and families were facing difficult battles inspired them to get involved.

“We wanted to jump right in and do what we can do."

Their partnership with WakeMed has also been made possible through the guidance and support of Ashley, who helped them navigate the process of planning their shows and charitable events. 

“Giving our support and partnering with the WakeMed is something we dreamed of doing for a very long time,” Maxx offers. “Getting to fulfill that lifelong dream of running charity shows and events is a full-circle moment.”

What started as two brothers looking for something they could build together has become a growing community built around sports, connection and generosity. They still have much more they hope to do.

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