Max's Story
One of the most endearing and memorable children to have come through our Heartwell door is Max.
In late February, 1998, Max at seventeen strode into our office, accompanied by his mum and dad. From the outset, we knew he was a unique character. “Hi!” this six-foot-one young man declared to us, “I am Max.”
The brain tumour left Max with poor bodily coordination and weaknesses in his facial muscles (Bell’s Palsy).
Diagnosed at eight with a brain tumour (Cerebellar Astrocytoma), Max underwent surgery. In his own words, ‘This changed everything.’ The brain tumour left Max with poor bodily coordination and weaknesses in his facial muscles (Bell’s Palsy). He was forced to relearn how to walk, talk, sit up and feed himself. At school, Max, who now looked and moved differently to his peers, became the victim of constant bullying. These traumas turned him into a very angry young boy.
But Heartwell never saw that side of Max. The teenager we were introduced to was consistently positive and encouraging of all around him. Max was referred to us as part of his recovery: the tumour from his childhood had returned seven years later and required further surgery. Max and his parents began his Heartwell program hoping to regain his fitness and skills and self-confidence.
When his tumour returned seven years later requiring further surgery, Max was referred to us to regain his fitness and skills and self-confidence.
And in the Heartwell environment, Max flourished. He accepted every challenge and, although starting from a very low endurance base, quickly progressed. It was marvellous to witness his work ethic and desire to improve. Everyone loved Max, and his confidence and willingness to speak about what he had been through became inspirational. Max accompanied me on many occasions to speak to groups of business people and students about himself and the Heartwell program. His humour, self-deprecation and overall presence had audiences riveted. Max gave one of the greatest speeches I have heard to a group of Year Nine girls at Methodist Ladies' College, where he detailed the intricacies of his medical journey from first diagnosis, to his battle with anger, and onto his current position of being at Heartwell able to share those stories. He had amazing insight and a quirky way of looking at the world — and he often amazed our team with his thoughts and philosophies.
Max spent three years with us at Heartwell. He went on to finish secondary school and then graduate from university. The last we heard from Max was a couple of years ago when he rang to say he was getting married the next day. He was so excited, and we were thrilled for him.
The last we heard from Max was a couple of years ago when he rang to say he was getting married the next day. we were thrilled for him.
It is hard to believe Max would be in his early thirties now. Wherever he is, and whatever he is doing, we are sure he is as popular and loved as he was all those years ago when he announced himself striding into the Heartwell gym.
— scott taylor, heartwell co-director
