Name: Max Corrigan
Age: 19
Where do you call home? I am from Bristol in the U.K.
Education/Career: I have my math GCSE and I am working towards a Media degree, so I can work at home.
Who do you live with? I live with my mum, stepdad, and sister, but I would love to move out. I just need to be in the right situation first.
What’s a typical day for you? I wake up at about 6am and workout for a little while, then I do college work, edit or game in the afternoon, and finally shower late as I feel most confident with my walking ability.
How long have you known you are living with FA? I was diagnosed in 2013 when I was 11 years old.
Are there any others with FA in your family? I am the only one at the moment.
Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. I was walking great at the beginning of secondary school, but then I noticed I was feeling tired and finding it hard to walk. I said to the school I was tired so I could go home, and I started to become ashamed of myself. Then I changed my mindset and learned to live my life the best I can, so I started to use a mobility scooter to get around and now I never look back.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I like to work my upper body; so arms, chest, traps, shoulders, biceps and triceps. I have started to work my core, but I’m pretty new at it. Sometimes I do cardio to better my walking, but not a lot.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? I love to do video editing and I don’t think I’m that bad. I also workout as a hobby, as I like to pass time. I play video games sometimes, but it’s just a way to pass time for me now.
What is a good trick to make daily life easier? Grab rails definitely help me a lot in life and a mobility scooter. I don’t need much else. However, I do rely on my mum a lot, as she is there, but I could definitely be independent if I want.
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? I think about how bad my life is and think about everyone else who would have given up all ready, but I’m still going and start to tell myself to keep going.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? There are some funny jokes I can make.
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? “You can’t change what you don’t accept.”
What is a piece of advice that someone with FA has given you that encourages and inspires you? “Being scared won’t take you anywhere.”
What is the best advice YOU could give a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Life might get more challenging, but God challenges the strong. Or, everyone will love you no matter what happens and those who don’t aren’t worth it.
What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? Spread the word, so every knows about it and invest so more people get it.
“I have FA but FA doesn’t have me.” What does this statement mean to you? How do you live your life in the face of adversity? FA will never define me and I will never give up because of FA.
Tell us a little more about you… I’m very anti-social, but only because I enjoy my own company. If I applied myself I could make loads of friends, but sooner or later I will just disappoint them, so I don’t bother going out for fun. I’m quite boring and there’s not much else.
Interview by
Noah Grifith