Paladin

Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: City Style

LBCC math teacher Bob Maxell, has a son who was diagnosed in April of 2006 with a spinal cord tumor. Mike Maxell is best known on campus for his work as a math tutor at the Math Learning Center.

The son had to cancel his classes that semester and went to Johns Hopkins medical center where a surgeon removed the tumor that he had. At that time it was determined that the tumor was a glioblastoma multiforme, a brain tumor.

In fall of 2006, Mike suffered a cardiovascular event in his spine. (A cardiovascualar event is damage to the heart muscle) He went to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center to relieve the paralysis and he needed a wheelchair. In November of 2007, Mike had a tumor in his brain. In December of 2007, surgery removed all signs of the tumor, but left difficulties with the illness.

Since Maxell's diagnosis, Mike and his parents have been involved in a sport called the Cowboy Action Shooting with the Norco area club the Cowboys. At the event, Mike took first place in his category, "Stoved-Up Cowboy Traditional". Mike shoots guns under the alias of "T.HumorStone". Mike said" If you say the name quickly it becomes "Tumorstone". It's part of my life now, it may as well be part of my name." " Mike Maxell was in a cowboy mood when he said, "You have to tie your hat on tight, and strap the rifle in. Life is wild ride, but I know God will see us through."

Bob Maxell's favorite saying that his son said was " You know, I know this is going to take me to higher heights, and force me to grow in many ways. I know I will be stronger for this. Is it that just right now is so hard, and growth is so painful."

Currently, Maxell's son is in the hospital. He will return home soon. Maxell says "God has not forsaken us through any of [Mike's cancer] this. There is still ink in the pen, and there is still cause for hope."

You may find Bob Maxell's blog at: http://bobmaxell.wikispaces.com

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