Maximo the great!

Maxi was born on June 26 1993. He was a beautiful baby with big blue eyes and a vibrant spirit. As a toddler he was extremely busy running around, riding his trike, or playing his favourite game shooting hoops! In fact his parents thought he could become the new Michael Jordan as Maxi would watch Space Jam and the Michael Jordan training video continually. Maxi soon mastered the perfect shooting technique.

Maxi began school in 1999 but sadly by the end of the year he was unable to write his name and simple language had not developed.

Maximo the brave!

In early 2000 James and Vanessa received the devastating news; Maximo has a rare and degenerative genetic condition that would eventually cut his life short. Sanfilippo Syndrome is also known as Mucopolysaccharidoses 111 or MPS 3. This means Maxi is missing the enzyme needed to break down the MPS waste resulting in a build up of waste in his cells, particularly effecting the central nervous system. Maxi will slowly lose his skills and not be able to talk, walk or eat.

Maxi’s family are determined to give their son the best chance at life however difficult and however short.

We have a dream!

Maximo still has many places to go and people to see. Due to a significant decline in Maxi’s condition, family and friends have banded together to fundraise to ensure Max can receive the equipment and support needed to give him the best quality of life.

Maxi’s family wish to raise awareness of this rare genetic disorder in the broader community and hope new therapies and treatments will be developed in the future. There is no cure for MPS 3, however scientists are working hard to find a way
to replace the missing enzyme before the damage begins. For more information see www.mpssociety.org.au