Max and his dad get ready for another bike ride of hope
Pair raising money for Duchenne muscular distrophy research
Max Sedmihradsky is “holding stable” while some promising research into a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy gets underway at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Max, a six-year-old Grade 1 student and big brother to toddler Isla, was diagnosed with the progressive disorder three years ago. It affects roughly one in 3,500 boys, and most children who suffer from it are unlikely to live past the age of 30.
“We haven’t seen any rapid deterioration,” said Max’s dad, Andrew. “Max is holding stable. He doesn’t seem to be getting any weaker, which is what you want to see, barring a cure.”
For the third consecutive year, Max and Andrew will travel 600 kilometres on a cargo bike to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Max’s Big Ride starts in Hamilton on June 4 and ends with a reception on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at noon on June 12.
The proceeds from this year’s ride will go toward establishing a doctoral fellowship in hopes of finding ways to prevent the muscle atrophy that characterizes the disease and reverse damage so those confined to a wheelchair can regain mobility.
Internationally recognized Dr. Patrick Gunning and his team will conduct the research at the University of Toronto Mississauga, where Sedmihradsky works.
“There are people in this very building who have the power to change Max’s life. It’s unbelievable,” Sedmihradsky said.
New to this year’s fundraiser is an Ice Cream Ride: Cyclists who join the Sedmihradskys on the first few kilometres of their trek will be rewarded with frozen treats and a tasty lunch.
In conjunction with Max’s Big
Ride, Max’s Big Climb is also planned for later this summer. Cyclists can test their mettle against the iconic Sydenham Hill in Dundas.
The 2017 edition on July 15 will have four elements — an individual time trial, the King and Queen of the Mountain contest, the hourlong Horse Kill Hill team relay and an untimed Hill Challenge ride.