My Brother, my best friend !
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
By: Cynthia Maxwell

I created the team called Max Riders for my brother. He is my brother, my best friend.

I started walking 7 years ago when the relay was created in our region. I was part of a team of friends. My father being a cancer survivor since 2000 gave me good enough reason to participate. I walked for 5 years and finally decided to start my own team in 2009. My brother had been diagnosed in November 2009 with Lung Cancer. I was with him every step of the way - appointments, radiation, chemo, sleeping over, cooking, cleaning and just being with him. The team was created FOR HIM. Victor Maxwell was the honorary member and cancer survivor of the MAX RIDERS. He was going to walk with me on May 29th. He had suffered a stroke on the 24th and was hospitalized. His childhood friend was going to take his place. I got the call at 6:30 a.m. the morning of the 29th that my brother had lost his battle. I went to be with him and made him a promise that I would walk in his honor and memory. I composed myself enough to make it to the Relay and spent the night under a star lit sky and did what I had to do... I walked with my friends for Victor, my brother, my best friend. Victor was 47. This is why I walk, this is now part of me. I can never let go. I can't let this happen to anyone else I love.