If you know Max as a teacher, colleague, director, mentor, or friend, you know he has spent years helping other people find their footing, their confidence, and occasionally their correct place onstage. Now he could use a little help with his own next act. After years of significant mobility limitations, Max underwent a total hip replacement in August. He then spent several weeks in the hospital and skilled rehabilitation before finally returning home in September. And he is making real progress! Max is now walking between his bed and living room and recently reached approximately 50 feet. His balance, strength, and endurance are improving with Home Health physical and occupational therapy. He is determined to regain as much independence as possible—and anyone who knows Max knows that “determined” may be an understatement. His hip is doing well, but longstanding stiffness in both knees makes standing up extremely difficult. Once Max is upright, he can walk with support. Getting upright safely, preparing food, and completing essential household tasks are the remaining obstacles keeping him dependent on paid caregivers. We waited until now to ask for help because we genuinely did not know what Max’s needs would be. Before surgery—and even during rehabilitation—it was impossible to predict how much function he would regain, what equipment would work in his home, or how much assistance he would need after discharge. We wanted to let him get home, begin moving in his actual environment, and work with Home Health PT and OT before asking anyone to help fund care or equipment that might not be necessary. We now have a much clearer picture. MAX CURRENTLY NEEDS PAID CAREGIVERS to help him rise to standing, obtain meals, manage essential household tasks, and remain safe while he continues rebuilding strength. That CARE COSTS $150 per day—an expense the household cannot sustain for the several months his recovery may require. This is not a request for indefinite caregiving. It is a bridge to greater independence. SUPPORT WILL BE USED FOR: - Temporary paid caregiving - Safe mobility and transfer equipment recommended by PT or OT - Equipment delivery or installation - Groceries or meal delivery when helpful The rehabilitation team is evaluating equipment that could help Max stand more safely and move around his home with less assistance. Possible needs include an upright supported walker or walker attachment and transfer poles near his chair, bed, or bathroom. No specific device will be purchased until PT or OT confirms that it is safe and appropriate for him. HOW THE CAREGIVING CALENDAR WORKS Each Adult/Senior Care date represents one $150 day of Max’s existing paid caregiving. You are sponsoring professional caregiving—not volunteering to visit or provide care yourself. To sponsor a full caregiving day, select an available date and choose one payment method: - GIFT CARD: Choose “Send Gift Card.” The site will walk you through purchasing and sending the $150 gift card. - VENMO: Choose “In-person care” to claim the date. The site will not collect your payment. After signing up, use the Venmo link on the right side of the page to send $150. Write “Caregiving—[date]” in the payment note. Despite the label, you are not signing up to provide care in person. OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: to contribute less than $150, or help with equipment, groceries, or meal delivery, do not select a calendar date. Send any amount using the Venmo or general gift-card options on the right side of the page. You may include a note if you want your contribution directed toward a particular need. YOU CAN HELP IN WHATEVER WAY WORKS FOR YOU: - Sponsor a full $150 caregiving day through the calendar - Contribute any amount toward caregiving - Help fund PT- or OT-approved equipment - Contribute toward groceries or meal delivery - Share this page with former students, colleagues, friends, and community members - Send encouragement—which Max will accept even if it is insufficiently dramatic Every funded day gives Max more time to recover safely. Every approved piece of equipment may reduce the amount of hands-on assistance he needs. The goal is simple: help him remain safe at home long enough to reclaim his independence. The star is recovering. For now, we’re asking for help funding the understudies until Max can run the show again.
FOR IN-PERSON VISITS: Please coordinate all visits directly with Max rather than scheduling them through this page. Because Max and Tod’s energy and schedules can change from day to day, advance confirmation is important. We are intentionally not using a meal train. Tod particularly enjoys cooking, and their meal needs vary depending on how they are feeling. Contributions toward groceries or a meal-delivery service are welcome through the options provided on this page. If you would like to bring or send a specific meal, please check with Max directly first. Most importantly, please postpone your visit if you are sick, have symptoms, or have recently been exposed to a contagious illness. Thank you for helping protect Max’s recovery!