Maxwell Williams' Recovery Page
Follow along with Max's recovery. We are so grateful for all the support
10/11/2022
Update time!
I've spent much of the last few months saying to myself, "I know I need to write a status update. Maybe once I'm done with _____." However, I've learned repeatedly: when you fill your schedule with weddings, camping trips, weddings again, grad school, and moving out -- there's never any time to write an update!
On the shortlist of what we've managed the last few months:
- Olivia and I found a (mostly) accessible apartment!
- The 2022 Adaptive Climbers Festival at the Red River Gorge was a great time!
- Traveling for fall weddings meant a chance to dress up!
- And the biggest highlight of all: Claire's wedding!
Being out on our own is a huge milestone that Olivia and I have been looking forward to for a long time now. It feels great to have reclaimed more of the independence I had lost, even though it was nice to go without paying rent for a few months. We're grateful to all those who are helping adapt our living space to be more usable for me. Next order of business: start getting some adaptive athletic equipment so I can start cycling on my own! While sports equipment isn't cheap, we're hopeful that this spring I can start taking advantage of the bike trails in our area. In the meantime: I think I could use a nap.
23/08/2022
Another month, another update!
These halcyon days haven't been too full -- just a bachelor party, my first time flying since my injury, rock climbing, workouts, and more. After all, it's not like I just sit around all day! 👉😎👉
July and August have been busy busy busy! But I'm happy to share some photos from The Bridge Adaptive Sports' event at RockQuest Climbing Center from Aug 13th, where I was able to get vertical for the fist time since my injury. I don't think I'm capable of describing my feelings, but I can describe how tired my arms felt! I could barely pick up my celebration pizza afterwards, even though my muscles screamed in lactic fury. Turns out I need to do more pull ups! I eagerly await more opportunities to get back into my sport of choice. I've heard about adaptive climbing festivals this year in Kentucky's Red River Gorge and California's Joshua Tree National Park -- stay tuned, because we might get to some craggin' this fall!
In other news, I start taking classes for the fall semester today. If all goes well I should have my masters in Computer Science accomplished by May.
Lastly: I was lucky enough to visit Lasher Sport's workshop in Las Vegas when traveling this month. Color me impressed! After riding in one of their bikes during the previous biking event, and seeing their work in person, I've decided to purchase one for myself. For now, that means applying to grant programs like the Kelly Brush Foundation Active Fund, and counting my pennies -- adaptive equipment is not cheap, but activity and joy are priceless. Looking forward to any and all opportunities to stay active and outdoors.
Until next time:
Maxwell
17/07/2022
Adaptive sports! Or, as we disabled folk call them, sports!
I got a chance to mess around with the Cincinnati IceBreakers sled hockey squad recently! Tons of fun that day, but my triceps are still in recovery mode. As far as I've come, a sport that requires as much core strength as sled hockey is a reminder that I have a long way to go.
I also got the chance to try out some adaptive mountain bikes courtesy of Catalyst Sports! My favorite was the Lasher Sport mountain bikes. It was wonderful to be back in nature going. I missed the woods more than I realized. At least, until I decided to take a corner way too fast and wiped out big time. The big lesson there is that next time I wipe out I should have somebody take a photo!
21/06/2022
Update time!
I know it's been a while, but that only means there's plenty to announce! First order of business -- I've passed drivers school (again) and now have a slice of plastic with my face on it to commemorate the event. Soon I'll be driving again once we can get my car outfitted with hand-controls, which will allow me to transfer the right wheelchair into & out of the car, and drive any automatic transmission car with no issues.
To celebrate, we decided to get out and visit the Reds game! While the Redlegs didn't pull out the victory that day against the Brewers, we still enjoyed some overpriced beer and priceless family time. Plus, I got to meet another guy with a great moustache!
We're still waiting on the permanent wheelchair and the hand controls for my car, but they're on order and should hopefully arrive soon! I'm looking forward to getting my equipment together and being able to t̵e̵r̵r̵o̵r̵i̵z̵e̵ drive safely down I-71 once again.
Till next time!
- Maxwell
30/04/2022
End of April update!
I've been spending most of my time working on homework -- those weeks I spent in the hospital were not kind to my grad school plans, but my professors were more than accommodating. All the extra time at home has allowed me to burn the candle at both ends a bit, but thankfully this semester ends on May 13! Just in time for me to return to work remote at Nationwide on May 16.
It hasn't been all work and no play though. I've been able to enjoy a date night with Olivia Wade at Tano's in Loveland, OH, followed by french toast in the morning and baking cookies! The next weekend, a visit to the Wright Patterson AFB provided a good opportunity to roll around in a highly accessible environment.
As far as equipment goes -- we're so close to getting the bathroom & bedroom done here at my parents house. I've been able to shower at home, albeit with no glass. The piece de resistance will be ripping out those last bits of pesky carpet so I can finally roll around unencumbered. Health insurance is going to approve a long-term wheelchair, but not without a bit of a fight on some of the finer details. Hopefully I'll be back in a rigid-frame chair by end of May!
Lastly: we've managed to get therapy started again! I'm doing both Physical and Occupational therapy at Drake Rehab Hospital.
In summary: things are going great. We're not stopping here. :) Have a great day y'all!
- Maxwell
14/04/2022
Highlights from my first week home! Got to see my brother play at Cleveland State, with a bonus appearance from Utah's Donny Stock! Someday Charlie and I will have to visit Donny out west once I've learned how to ski again. Saw a very sleepy puppy while at the game to boot. Grabbed some brews with Bailey Mulhern at the Peter's Cartridge Company! A bit ironic that we went to a gun themed brewery but I prefer to see the humor in everything. We even got recognized by a fan from Epiphany Church, although there's no photo evidence.
Much appreciation for everyone's continued support -- home has hardly been a simple challenge, but it's been a fantastic one to conquer. Even simple things like getting into a normal bed are different than the hospital, although home wins in the comfort department for sure. Looking forward to going outside, lacrosse matches, bike trail days, and good meals to come. Much love :)
- Maxwell
04/04/2022
I finally made it home, wearing my new favorite shirt! If you can't make out the text, it says I'm an official Dodd Rehab Hospital Alumni! So grateful to all the staff there who helped me through my convalescence. My dreams the last few weeks have been filled with goetta and skyline chili. So glad to be back with my parents, my sister, my brother, and my dog. Time for the next chapter!
- Maxwell
01/04/2022
Another excellent visit! Glad my favorite sister could visit for the second day in a row. Extremely grateful she is able to spend time with the family over the next week before she heads back out to the Bay Area.
The reason for her visit? Discharge day! I will be headed back home with my parents on Monday to start my next period of learning how to live my new life. Lots of home changes are occurring back in Maineville and the fun is just getting started. Can't wait for my own bed, my favorite dog, and all my dad's excellent cooking.
- Maxwell
Dad & Max found a piano at Dodd yesterday! Max moved back to Dodd earlier this week to finish up his therapy sessions. His new incision is healing nicely and we’re hoping he’ll be discharged at some point next week
21/03/2022
The second surgery was not a big one, but it was a success! I just needed my incision cleaned up and re-closed on Saturday morning. I'm recovering in the Brain & Spine hospital now, and should be heading back to rehab soon. Thankfully, I had somebody here to keep me company I haven't seen in a while -- thanks to Charlie for driving down from Cleveland to spend the day with me. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming games this lacrosse season bro!
Max wheeling around in a hand bike! Enjoying some springtime sunshine ☀️
14/03/2022
Those of you who live in the Columbus area and may have any personal security footage from the night of 2/14, please go back and look at cameras. If you don't have any footage yourself but know other individuals or businesses, please reach out
On February 14, 2022, at 11:14pm, Columbus Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to the area of 2400 N. High St. on a report of a shooting. The 24-year-old victim was located inside of this location with one gunshot wound to the back. The shot was fired from outside into this location. The victim was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
A witness stated a person fired a shot from an older model Lincoln LS driving by as he walked out of Dick’s Den, a N. High St. bar. Video recovered from the scene shows that minutes after the assault a 2000-2003 gold/taupe Lincoln LS was observed turning westbound off Neil Ave. onto Oakland Ave.
These photos show the suspect vehicle has distiguishable damage on the driver’s left side doors.
Anyone with info is asked to contact Columbus Police Felony Assault Unit at 614-645-4141 or
[email protected] or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS(8477).
Max popping some wheelies in therapy today! Practicing wheelies are important for practicing going over curbs or other uneven ground. Putting in the work 🙌🏼
Update from the weekend! Therapy has been going well. Max has been working hard on lots of different tasks like transferring in and out of a car, practicing balancing and building his upper body strength. Keeping up the good work 👏🏼
Max has been practicing getting into and out of the wheelchair with no slide board today! The physical therapists said they have never seen anyone progress this quickly- sounds like Max! Look in the comments for another video of him transferring back into the bed without assistance
27/02/2022
Mom & dad were able to visit today! Max got a nice shave and they’ve been practicing wheeling around the hospital halls. We’re hoping he transfers to Dodd at the end of this week!
And he’s up in the wheelchair today! Max said he’s making great progress & has started therapy twice a day, until he can transfer to Dodd rehabilitation hospital. Fortunately he’s still asymptomatic; we just have to wait until his ten day quarantine is complete. Thank you all for all of the support and prayers! Keep them coming
PT update from the day! Max was able to do PT without IV pain meds already.
Unfortunately Max tested positive for COVID yesterday. He’s completely asymptomatic right now, but it will delay his transfer to Dodd inpatient rehab for a bit. He said it gives him time to continue to rest up before beginning more intensive therapies
I also started an Instagram for anyone who wants to follow along Max’s recovery there. The account name is
21/02/2022
Hi everyone- Max has officially been moved out of the ICU, woohoo! Physical therapy has been going well. He’s been practicing learning how to balance himself while sitting with one hand and using the other hand to perform a task. His pain is becoming more manageable with time and we’re hoping he gets to transfer to Dodd later this week to begin inpatient rehabilitation.
A friend dropped off some chicken parm for dinner which has been a highlight of the day. Keep the prayers coming!
For those of you looking to help support Max & Liv right now, one of their friends made a google doc where you can sign up to bring them meals in the hospital, help out around the house and so much more. Feel free to reach out with any quesrions. Sign up here at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n2N9iZ02FW_Jbc9NxTEHCbHLfFh9LqSrbid_oF3QT40/htmlview
19/02/2022
Thanks to everyone who came out to Dick’s Den last night for the benefit! There was a great turnout & we are so grateful for all of your support
19/02/2022
Hi everyone, thanks for following along. We'll start posting updates about Max's recovery here. Please share the page with friends & we hope to see you all at Dick's Den tonight!
18/02/2022
Videos (show all)
