Max's Story
Max's story...
When I first received my cancer diagnosis, I was just about as numb as I was confused. It felt like a surreal moment, and I didn't know how to react or feel. I had an overwhelming amount of questions racing through my mind… It was almost dizzying. I knew that this was going to be a difficult journey, and I had no idea how to navigate it.
The treatment was tough. The chemotherapy played with my veins and made them hard to find, which caused a lot of discomfort during the treatment and blood tests. I was constantly nauseous and fatigued which made it harder to eat and I noticed my diet changing repeatedly throughout the treatment cycles. Physically and mentally, I was not my normal self, and it was a tough pill to swallow. The troubles gaining motivation affected my ability to focus on school and my daily routine, which was frustrating. I found myself feeling like I was constantly playing catch-up, and it was a difficult adjustment to make. The treatment was also a real blow to my social life, as I had to miss out on many events and activities with friends and family. Nevertheless I still managed to get my fair share of radiation both inside and outside the hospital. And of course the hair, not ideal but what can you do.
The public hospital in North Shore, where I received my treatment was 10/10. The nurses and doctors were amazing, and they made sure that me and my family felt comfortable and well-cared for throughout the situation. They answered all of our questions and concerns and ensured that we had all the resources we needed to manage the treatment / disease. The hospital was also a place where I met other patients who were going through similar journeys. They shared their experiences and provided support which helped me gain a different outlook and attitude towards what I had and how life was at the time.
One of the things that made my journey easier was the amazing support I received from my family and friends. They were there for me every step of the way, from attending doctor's appointments with me to cooking meals and doing house chores. They made me feel loved and supported, which gave me the strength to keep fighting.
During my treatment, I took notice of the profound impact that football had on my wellbeing and mental health. I realised just how much I loved the sport and club that I represent. Being able to train and socialise gave me a sense of normality and structure in a time of chaos and uncertainty. My teammates, coaches, and everyone involved in the club became like a second family to me, they were there to support me every step of the way, both on and off the field. Having that sense of community and belonging was incredibly important to me. Even when I couldn't play due to treatment, I still felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. I am especially appreciative of my coach, Alex Wise, who went above and beyond by setting up a fundraiser for me and my journey. His kindness and generosity truly meant the world to me and my family. The love and support that I received from my football family was truly invaluable and helped me keep fighting through some of the darkest moments.
The journey was undoubtedly challenging, but in a way I'm very grateful for it. Life is all about lessons and I think everything happens for a reason. This particular lesson / experience taught me a lot about myself and the people around me. I learned to appreciate the small things in life and not take anything for granted. I also learned that with the right support and mindset, I could overcome just about anything.
I am proud to have come out on the other side and will continue to cherish every moment of life.
Big thanks to everyone who donates and comes out to show their support and love. Your presence and contribution is utterly amazing and will make a real difference in the lives of those who are striving to help.
Best wishes
Max & Family
My Achievements
Congrats! You've hit your goal!
$80 raised - you've given a family a night of emergency accommodation!
You've covered genetic testing!
You've given a family a whole weeks accommodation near treatment
$1,000 raised - you've made a tube gene test with state-of-the-art-technology possible
You've covered 3 months of lab costs for vital blood cancer research
You've fund life changing research for 3 months
Thank you to my Supporters
$105.50
Cameron Bull
$84.40
Louise Mourgues
Here’s a little more to help more families. Great effort!
$2.02k
Dee Why Football Club
$201
Andrew Palmer
$104
Pam Skogstad
HI Max Amazing job on you fund Raing wish you all the best Love Pam
$100
Angela Barber
You are an incredible person Max! What a journey to have overcome. Well done on such a successful fundraiser. With much love always ❤️ Ang & family x
$84
Samantha Taylor
$21.10
Leo Nguyen
Hey My name is Leo im one of the managers of Dominos Manly where Max working he is brilliant and kindness kid. Keep it up Max love your bald head ❤️
$52.75
Gladys Wong
You are such a great inspiration Max, a wonderful story
$84.40
Anonymous
$52
Anna
$31.65
Jen Ure
Well done Max and Family
$105.50
M Sawyer Building
$84.40
Michael
$55.92
Simon, Stacey, Max And Tia Ambrosoli
$31.65
Nico
$55.92
Andrea
$100
Daniel Scott
From Kayvon.
$55.92
Mary & Pat - Penrith
$100
Matthew Weston
Tremendous effort, a cause very close to my heart!
$211
Paul
$81
Driller Talbot
$63.30
Merryn Stuart
You’re a champion Max!
$105.50
Sobczyk Family
Good luck, great initiative.
$104
Elena And Jens
$105.50
Toby Singleton
$84.40
Matthew Dallon
Hi Max, Great to hear you made thru this tough time mate. well done.
$31.20
Noah Daly
You have an inspiring story, stay strong brah.
$105.50
Rick And Katrina Paull
$105.50
Anonymous
Inspiring and honest. A journey that we all share the same fear of and you conquered it. Well done Max and all your givers!
$31.65
Patrick Houlihan
$108.67
Jan And Kjell Evans
We are so proud of you Maxi! Love Jan & Kjell
$211
Thomas Palmer
$31.65
Anonymous
$54
Ryan Mcleod
$105.50
The Parasykes
$55.12
Michael Calagis
$31.65
Damian Davies
$52.75
Senid & Charbel
Well done Max!
$55.92
Anonymous
$120
Kay Ben & Chilli Van-der Sluice
$100
Rosenwax Family
$55.12
Brendon Downs
Keep strong Max
$520
Sharp Office
Great story Max inspirational. .
$100
Viatek
$520
Richard Paull
$31.65
Andrew Kurniawan
$55.92
Deckmasters Sydney
$158.25
Jen & James Evans
$55.92
Michele De Bes
$54
David Mcqueen
$55.92
John Everett
$55.92
Beneke Fam Bam
$100
Robyn Emmerson
Well done in getting through your treatment and now wanting to give back to others. you are an inspiration for telling your story and helping others who are going through what you have.
$31.65
Rafael Saldanha
$55.92
Gemma Roach
$54
Rocco Marando
$31.65
Ryan Parry
$105.50
Chrissie Thomas
Stay strong Max you will get through this with support from family and friends 🥰
$105.50
Chris, Kellie, Sam & Nath Cooper
$55.92
Owen
$55.92
Fleur De Bes
$84.40
Carolyn De Bes
$20
Natasha Nq
What an amazing story and cause!!!
$31.65
Brad Martin
$84.40
Robert King
$105.50
Lauren Thomas
$101
Claire Collins And Family
$26.38
Gavin Morgan
$105.50
Grattan-smith Family
Good on you Max!
$200
Michelle Lefevre
$52
Anonymous
$84.40
Georgie Piper
$514.55
Anonymous
$81
Naoko Nakao
All the best, Max and Family.
$201
Dan Buckler
$21
Helen Jackson
All the best Max
$200
Richard Worgan (senpos)
$105.50
Elliot Bigsworth
Thanks for sharing your journey Max, wishing you all the very best.
$55.92
Lena Harapeti
$104
Dee Why Fc
You're an inspiration to us all!
$105.50
Ankit Cariappa
$52.75
Vitor Dias
$55.92
Andrew Barlow
💙💛⚽️👊🏻
$51
Sally Higginson
$31.65
Joel Sawyer
$380.86
Pharmacare Helping Hand
$10.55
Alessio Lanzafame
😞🏆🏆
$470
Al/1 Print Sales Donated By Rob King
$26.38
Samuel Snowdon
$84
The Wise Family
$31.65
