Max Update! Dec 2, 2004

Max’s Make a Wish trip to Denver with the Seattle Supersonics was a huge success! We had so many great experiences on the trip - it’s really not possible to include all of them. Here are some pictures though they tell some of the story. Many of you may have seen Max on TV – he’s quite a star now! The other day we were at a Sonics game and someone in the concessions line in front of us even recognized Max from the TV coverage. Max was surprised and couldn’t help letting a little smile slip out.

During the trip we spent a lot of time watching Max on the court dribbling, shooting baskets and getting rebounds with the Sonics. Despite his challenges physically, it’s obviously where Max felt the most comfortable – on the basketball court. TV interviews, conversations with the team or autographs were fine, but not really his thing. Before the game he got to be honorary ball boy – this meant rebounding and passing balls out to the players. He was supposed to keep the balls coming fast so the players didn’t have to wait. He worked so hard, doing his best to run around and get balls. It really wiped him out. I think he felt good though - he was contributing and doing a good job.

The Sonics players, coaches and team management were absolutely wonderful. We really felt special and owe them a tremendous thank you.

Last Sunday the Sonics wanted to make Max “Fan of the Game” it was awesome! The whole family got tickets and they showed Max on the big-screen during the first quarter. Then Squatch came up, sat on him, and gave him a ball autographed by the Sonics! Later in the game I was watching Max dance along with the music in the arena - I thought back to the UW v. Stanford basketball game we went to in March. Max was in a wheelchair and was pretty out of it. Sporting events had always felt like our “turf” - Max and I have been going to football, basketball or baseball games since he was two. Last March we felt in the way and out of place. Today Max was a star, fan of the game and even recognized in the concessions stand. He was dancing in the stands.

Things have actually been fairly normal over the last few weeks. Max doesn’t have hair yet, but we keep looking for signs. His eyelashes are starting to come in though. Blood counts are good and continue to improve, he’s in school full time and shows a lot of energy at times. He’s even enjoying throwing and catching a football. Every night I throw him “divers” with a little, soft, football - (I toss the ball out in front of him over the bed so he can dive and catch it). We used to do divers everywhere, in the lawn with a baseball, onto the couch, into a bean bag chair.

Over Thanksgiving we went to Portland to visit relatives and got to do some shopping at the Nike store in Beaverton. Max wanted new soccer shoes, new basketball shoes, shin guards a soccer bag and basketball jersey’s from his favorite players. He was also eyeing a basketball; even though he probably has 10 already, (they all have names).

Max is starting to feel more like Max.

It’s that time again - On December 13 Max will have his next MRI and spinal tap to make sure the treatments continue to be successful. Please join us with your prayers and loving thoughts to bring God’s healing Light to Max; that he will continue to healed and cured.

Thanks all of you for your love, prayers and hard work – It’s all helping Max get better!!

Love and God Bless!