You’ll remember the popular Volkswagen commercial that first aired during Super Bowl 2011. It starred a miniature Darth Vader (an adorable kid) who attempted unsuccessfully to use his force in the house. But the Star Wars icon went outside, waved his hand and started the Volkswagen Passat, thanks to his dad’s quick unnoticed attention — and remote starter. Watch it here.

Max Page is the 7-year-old youngster who gave life to the role. A heart patient from birth, he has a pacemaker and has raised funds for other heart patients. He will undergo open-heart surgery in Los Angeles this morning to repair a hole in his heart and replace his pulmonary valve. The actor appears on the Young and the Restless.

Max and his mom, actress Jennifer Page, appeared on TODAY in February 2011. He has a terrific can-do attitude. If you have a kid who has to handle illness or surgery, Max has some amazing advice:

“‘Kids, if you use your force and dream big, you can achieve anything. We may be small — but we’re mighty!”

Read what Max has planned for when he gets home here.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.