Ok, for those who do not know, Max Raven is a man who, some time ago, frequented the chat on the Wyldryde IRC channel. He is known for his huge heart and willingness to help anyone, anytime. I once read in a news story that as he was walking through the park in New York, he stopped the Ice Cream Man and purchased ice cream for every child in a large group of special needs kids. He has also played parts in numerous movies including Awakenings with Robin William, Good Fellas and Casino (He was the guy the cops gunned down thinking his Hero Sandwich was a gun) to name a few. He always puts himself second and others first. You can find his website at www.maxraven.com and I recommend you read his novel which chronicles his life in a mental hospital as a child. I am amazed that someone who went through what he did can still have such a big heart.
I have not seen or heard from Max in a while so I sent him an email. I got a response the next day and the news is not good. Max has Parkinson’s disease and it has progressed to the point that it is very difficult for him to type. He has only recently returned home from surgery and a 6 week stay in the hospital (I do not know the nature of the operation). In his words, his health is deteriorating rapidly.
I urge everyone that knows max to send him an email with your best wishes. Let’s let him know that the Geeks and lockergnome community are supporting him. As I mentioned in my return email to him, it seems now is the time that he puts himself first and gets better. I do not know if Max has family but even if he does, we owe him our support at the very least. Not only has he helped a lot of us individually (those who he did will know what I am speaking of) but he was a large supporter Chris in the early days of his online presence.
I truly hope in the deepest part of my heart that Max gets better soon. I consider him a friend even though i have only met him in the virtual, online sense and I know a lot of you do as well.
Search for Max Raven on Geeks or you can email him directly at [email protected]
Get Well Soon Max! We Love Ya!