By Annette Pinder
Maxine Cristal Acosta Smith, 30 years old, was born and raised in Toronto by her Chilean parents. She also had the opportunity to return to live and study in Chile as a child, and connect with the heritage that means so much to her.
Passionate about media, communication, and music, Maxine interned at a university radio station in high school. After graduating, she traveled with Canadian youth through a volunteer program called Katimavik, that offers Canadian youth a transformative experience to become supporters of truth and reconciliation; contributors to an eco-friendly and sustainable world; advocates for inclusiveness and diversity; and change-makers to create a better Canada.
Maxine attributes her strong work ethic and diverse experiences to her parents, working in customer service, sales, events, media production, dog-walking, and teaching English abroad.
“In 2017, Maxine took a vacation to Navidad, Chile, the rural beach town that meant so much to her, and where she experienced a profound love connection with her childhood boyfriend. The vacation reignited their feelings for one another and, after returning from her visit, Maxine left again for Chile to be with the man she loved. The couple built a beautiful home, lived with their dog named Jimmy, and Maxine taught English at a Waldorf school. Maxine reconnected with family friends, enjoyed the beach, mountains, seafood barbecues, and loved being in nature. Then, one day, while walking on the beach in Navidad, Maxine noticed that her foot was dragging. “COVID hit, but I was still attending weekly teachers’ meetings. I was using a cane, and became increasingly weaker. Having always been active in sports, I thought this was unusual,” she said.
“I returned to Toronto in August 2020, and was admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital, where the neurological department discovered a spinal cord tumor at the T9 level of my spine, with swelling to T12. Surgery to remove some of the tumor was followed by six weeks of craniospinal radiation treatment. However, I had extraordinary confidence in the care I was receiving from the medical team at Sunnybrook Hospital, a world-renowned cancer research center.”
Thereafter, Maxine was admitted to Lyndhurst Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Centre to work with physiotherapists, social workers, and doctors to regain her physical and mental strength, and receive the necessary support that would enable her safe reentry into the community. There, she learned about Variety Village in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, a gym and community center for people of all abilities, which she attends to this day.
Maxine was introduced to Cheelcare during an expo at Variety Village. She says, “I was so excited by the Cheelcare device, which is simply an add-on that powers my own wheelchair machinery. Everything about it amazes me. Before I received the device, I couldn’t visit the park in my neighborhood due to barriers such as bumps and hills along the sidewalks and crossing the street. Now, my sister and I sometimes cruise along Toronto’s Harbourfront with ease as she glides on roller blades beside me, and I’m with my Companion Plus from Cheelcare. This device gives me freedom, and you can’t put a price on that! It has been completely life changing!”
These days, Maxine spends two to three hours daily at the gym participating in wheelchair basketball, swimming, and using adaptive bicycles. She works with a physiotherapist to practice walking with ankle foot orthotics, and uses acupuncture and cannabis for pain. Ever grateful for her parents and sister, Maxine says, “I wouldn’t be here without their tremendous love and support.” In addition to music being a source of healing and comfort, Maxine enjoys singing, being in nature, spending time with family and friends, and watching a good movie.
“Having faith in God, the loving support of family and friends, and believing in modern medicine has gotten me through,” says Maxine. She also says that she is living a happy and fulfilled life.
The tumor has disappeared from her body, and she is focused on regaining her muscle and nerve strength so that she can walk the beaches of Navidad again. Recently, a friend asked her while the two met for coffee, “Maxine, you are glowing! What are you doing?” She replied, “I am happy to be here.”
Mobility Management recently awarded Cheelcare “Product of the Year” for its companion power front-mount assist system for manual wheelchairs for children and adults, a system inspired by the company’s founders’ personal experiences. Cheelcare, a semi-finalist in the Buffalo 43 North competition, is committed to Buffalo. Learn more about Cheelcare at www.cheelcare.com, by emailing info@cheelcare.com, or by calling 647-800-2680.
