Max Update! - Aug 12, 2004

Hello everyone!

Just time for a really quick update right now, we're having a busy summer!

Max has now completed his 3rd round of maintenance chemo. He's half way done!!!

As was the case with the previous treatments he got increasingly tired over the week and a half after treatment, his blood counts went really low, but then bounced back strong! Even when he was at his weakest though Max was pretty active and eager to go do things. We are continually amazed by his strength and mental toughness! In the words of one of his doctors he's doing "spectacular"!

Max does continue to gradually get stronger. He's even gained a couple pounds over the last month. We can tell especially by how far he's able to hit the ball! He's definitely making me work chasing down balls that he hits out of our yard.

One of the highlights over the last couple of weeks was the Chelsea v. Celtic soccer match at Seahawks stadium. Thanks to a very generous offer from a close friend Max was able to join some of his buddies as they escorted the Chelsea team onto the field during pre-game ceremonies. It was amazing actually. Being on the field listening to the crowd cheer and walking onto the grass holding the hand of elite soccer players from England. Seeing Max's little bald head in amongst all the other kids reminded us again of just how courageous and strong Max is. There were 30,000 people watching him and yet he didn't seem at all self conscious or scared.

After the match Max wanted to try to meet Scott Parker, the player he'd walked onto the field with. Scott had told Max that he'd try to find him at the rail after the game to give him a jersey. Of course Max remembered. It wasn't too surprising the Scott didn't.

It was tough though for a while. It was really, really hot. Max was very tired and we were walking around an empty stadium trying to find a way to get a message into the locker room. We ended up at the team bus where security was pushing everyone back and not letting us within 50 yards of the bus. Max started to cry as we walked away. As a last try we went back to the tunnel where the team and exited the field. There a couple coaches came out and were talking amongst themselves. I got their attention and asked if any of the players would be coming out for autographs. They didn't think so but suggested we try going to the team bus. I explained that Max really wanted to meet Scott and that he'd been on the field prior to the match. It took about 30 seconds and in the time I watched that coach make a decision to help us. I'll never forget that. He told us to wait a minute and then walked back to the locker room. He came out ad motioned for me to hand Max over the rail to him. The walked back together into the tunnel.

When Max came back about 5 minutes later he was wearing a big Chelsea jersey, number 19, Scott Parkers and a big smile. It was a big victory and a great lesson. On the way home I told Max, see that's what can happen if you don't give up. He said, I didn’t want to give up, I just thought it was hopeless. It's only hopeless if you think it's hopeless I said.

Max has also started playing golf. It's a great sport for him right now, and he's pretty good at it!

As good as things are going we still have a long way to go and a lot of challenges before us.

We have a big day again next Wednesday, Aug 18. That's Max's next MRI and spinal tap. This is part of the process. Every few months we have to check to make sure his treatments are being successful. Although we're confident that all will be well we can't help being a little worried and scared.

Please join us in prayers, meditations and loving thoughts that through God's love and healing these tests will come back clean and show that Max continues to be on his way to being cured! There is no doubt in our minds that the energy you all are sending through God for Max has had a huge impact on his recovery. Bless all of you, thank you, thank you!

Blessings, Love and Light!!