How a community’s love is fuelling Max’s fight for independence

At just 31 weeks and five days, Max Wilson’s entry into the world was a race against time.

Born via emergency C-section after a life-threatening cord prolapse, Max’s tiny heart stopped for an agonising 17 minutes. Against the odds, doctors resuscitated him, giving his family a fragile sliver of hope.

But hope came tempered with heartache. Within days, scans revealed brain bleeds that would lead to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. In that moment, Max’s parents, Kasia and Simon, faced a future brimming with uncertainty—but also the unyielding resolve to fight for their son.

Max’s story isn’t just about surviving those first perilous moments—it’s about thriving in the face of adversity, embracing joy despite immense challenges, and inspiring a community to rally behind a little boy with an unbreakable spirit.

Max Wilson’s fight

Max entered the world under harrowing circumstances. A cord prolapse during labour led to an emergency C-section, and Max had to be resuscitated for an agonising 17 minutes after birth. Tragically, the lack of oxygen caused brain bleeds and at just 10 days old, an MRI confirmed the diagnosis.

The doctors informed Kasia and Simon, Max’s parents, that their son would likely develop cerebral palsy.

“We were devastated but also unsure of what this would mean to us and Max,” Kasia said. Despite the grim prognosis, Max’s journey began with the hope and determination that have since defined his family’s approach to his care. After six weeks in the hospital, Max and his twin sister, Mia, were finally able to go home, though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty.

As months turned into years, it became clear that Max’s traumatic birth had left him with significant disabilities. By 18 months, he was officially diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, affecting all four of his limbs. Max cannot sit, walk, kneel, or stand on his own. He also struggles with fine motor skills, and his condition requires him to wear splints to manage muscle tone issues in his feet.

Despite these challenges, Max has achieved milestones that fill his family with pride. “One of the most significant milestones was when Max started using his left hand more effectively,” Kasia said. “He began reaching for objects and even trying to feed himself. It was a small step, but it meant the world to us.”

The bond between twins

Max’s twin sister, Mia, plays a unique role in his life. The bond between them is heartwarming and crucial to Max’s development. “Mia is incredibly caring and always looks out for Max,” Kasia explained. “They have their own way of interacting. Mia often brings him toys and encourages him to play. It’s a relationship that’s both heartwarming and motivating for Max.”

While Mia’s support has been invaluable, it also brings its own challenges. As Kasia noted, “There’s a delicate balance between giving Max the care he needs and ensuring Mia gets the attention and childhood she deserves.”

Max’s daily life is shaped by a rigorous schedule of therapies and specialised care. He attends weekly private therapy sessions and charity-funded sessions, as well as annual intensive therapy trips abroad. These interventions are essential for his progress but come at a significant financial cost.

“We travel to Poland once or twice a year for intensive therapy,” Kasia said. “Each trip costs several thousand pounds, so we can’t afford to do it as often as we’d like. But the progress Max makes during these sessions is incredible.”

In addition to therapy, Max requires specialised equipment to assist with mobility and daily activities. His parents are hoping with the funds raised to invest in a walker, a special trike, an off-road wheelchair, and adapted furniture, all of which help him participate more fully in life. “The NHS provides some equipment, but many items, like an off-road wheelchair, aren’t covered,” Kasia explained. “We have to fund those ourselves.”

The Wilson family’s home desperately needs adaptations to better accommodate Max’s needs. Local authority grants cover only a fraction of the required modifications and come with stipulations that don’t fully accommodate Max’s unique circumstances.

“Max is almost blind and needs space to move around safely,” Kasia said. “We’re hoping to create a more accessible environment with wider doorways and space to store his growing collection of equipment.”

A community unites

To fund these adaptations and Max’s ongoing therapies, the Wilsons launched a fundraising campaign with a target of £50,000. The response has been heartwarming.

“We’ve raised nearly £29,000 so far,” Kasia said. “The community has been incredible. Parents at Max’s school, friends, and even strangers have shown us so much generosity and kindness.”

The family’s fundraising efforts have included marathons and charity walks. Kasia and Simon participated in a trail marathon and a half marathon, with plans for more events in the future. “Running the Manchester half marathon is our way of contributing,” Kasia said. “We’re also hoping to involve Max in future activities.”

Max even got involved in the fun, doing the ”step into Christmas with Max” challenge. Max’s parents challenged him to make as many steps as possible, which helped his movement and raised awareness of mobility, all raising cash for a great cause.

Max’s personality and joyful spirit

Despite his challenges, Max is a joyful, adventurous child with a vibrant personality. “He’s a happy little adrenaline junkie,” Kasia said with a smile. “He loves zip lines, fairground rides, and rough and tumble play.”

Books are another source of joy for Max. “He’s a huge bookworm,” Kasia shared. “Reading together is one of his favourite activities.” Max also loves spending time outdoors, especially in nature. Trips to local parks and family outings to Center Parcs bring him immense happiness.

Max’s sense of humor shines through in his interactions. “Even though he’s non-verbal, he’s a little prankster,” Kasia said. “He’ll deliberately spill water just to see our reactions and then giggle uncontrollably.”

The challenges of caring for Max

Parenting Max comes with significant challenges, from managing his health issues to ensuring he receives the therapies he needs. “One of the biggest challenges is his communication,” Kasia explained. “We’ve recently started working with a private specialist on alternative communication methods, but progress takes time.”

Health complications, including chest infections and sleep issues, add another layer of difficulty. “Max spends a lot of time lying down, which makes him prone to infections,” Kasia said. “It’s tough, but we focus on staying positive and finding solutions.”

How you can help Max Wilson

The Wilson family’s story is one of resilience and hope, but they can’t do it alone. “The most effective way to support us is by donating or sharing our story,” Kasia said. The family’s Instagram account, @max.cassius, offers a glimpse into their daily lives, highlighting both the struggles and the moments of joy.

“We want people to see the positivity amidst the challenges,” Kasia said. “Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement means so much to us.”

Max’s journey is far from over, but with the love of his family and the support of a caring community, he continues to defy the odds, proving that even the smallest victories can lead to extraordinary triumphs.

To find out more and donate to Max Wilson’s cause, please check out their GoFundMe page by clicking here