Max’s Big Ride comes to Cobourg

Eight year old Max Sedmihradsky has Duchenne muscular dystrophy which currently has no cure and will likely confine him to a wheelchair by the time he is 12. He may not survive past his mid-20’s. But his Mom and Dad are not giving up – this is the fifth time his Dad Andrew has ridden a cargobike with Max from his hometown of Hamilton to Ottawa with the aim of raising money to support research to find a cure for the disease (which seems promising – see Links below). Also along this year were his 3 year old sister Ilsa and of course Mom Kerri. Since they started in 2015, they have raised over $170,000 – this year the goal is $39,000 with $7,945 raised to date (more details here).

The trip started June 3 and plans to finish on June 9. This morning (June 5), they left Oshawa and arrived in pouring rain in Cobourg in front of Victoria Hall at around 3:15. Cobourg Police escorted them from their arrival at Boston Pizza. Although it was not a big crowd, the welcome was warm and Max (and Ilsa) won the hearts of everyone. York Bell-Smith was M.C. – giving welcoming speeches were Mayor John Henderson, Deputy Mayor Suzanne Séguin (on behalf of M.P.P. David Piccini) and Councillor Adam Bureau. Adam presented Max with small gifts but Max was coy and although it must be a regular occurrence, he seemed overwhelmed by the attention. When asked to say a few words – he said “Thank you”. When asked what he thought of it all, he said “It’s Fun”. Andrew also spoke and gave interviews to the media present.

The Breakers provided free overnight accommodation before Max resumed his journey the next day – it was a long wet trek from Oshawa.

Donations are accepted by the team (some donations were handed over today) or online via the Jesse’s Journey organization (link below).

Here is a short video of the event.