Boy, 10, fights back from MS to walk against it

Imagine, as a child approaching 7 years old, waking up one day to discover your body no longer can handle simple tasks. You can't walk, can't communicate. Can't eat. You try to talk and nothing intelligible comes out. You can't exercise the reading skills you've picked up in school. You can't even write your name.

Four years ago, Max Ankrom of San Clemente survived a scary 18-day stay at Children's Hospital of Orange County after going blind temporarily, it turned out and losing his ability to talk, walk or perform other simple motor skills. As his parents, Mike and Michelle Ankrom, describe it, Max survived acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a swelling of the brain. He emerged as the equivalent of a 6-year-old newborn. Through months of therapy, he had to relearn how to live.

Max Ankrom, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, is surrounded by donated items for an MS Society benefit that his family will present Friday night in San Clemente. The skateboard is from Lost. The surfboard is from 17-year-old surf star Kolohe Andino.

FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Today, other than that he is short for his age, you wouldn't know Max from any other 10-year-old at Concordia Elementary School in San Clemente. Raring to turn 11 in June, he skateboards, surfs, plays soccer and loves Nintendo. He has a ready smile, and it doesn't take much get him to pump his fist and say "Yessss!"

He is an example of hope for children with multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis he received at age 7. He and his family are organizing their third "Live Life to the Max" team in Carlsbad's annual Walk MS coming to Legoland on April 22. The event helps to fund research of a cause and cure.

If you're free Friday evening and have $35 to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, you can meet Max at a charity dinner featuring live and silent auctions at 7 p.m. at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club, 200 Avenida Vista Montana.

Kolohe Andino, a 17-year-old surf star from San Clemente, has donated one of his surfboards for auction. Other prizes include backpacks, an art-decorated skateboard, a condominium stay in Mammoth and a full orthodontic treatment.

Space is limited. Call Michelle Ankrom at 949-394-5715 or email livelifetothemax@cox.net.

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Boy, 10, fights back from MS to walk against it