18 | NOVEMBER 7 • 2024 J
N
O
n Sept. 22, 2022, Max
McColl’s life changed
forever. The 25-year-
old Farmington Hills native was
riding his dirt bike to the store and
not wearing a helmet, which was
reflective of his self-admitted “fast”
lifestyle at the time. During that
ride, he was the victim of a hit-
and-run crash.
McColl was in a coma for 10
days, and doctors weren’t sure if he
was going to survive. The incident
left him with a traumatic brain
injury, a brain bleed, broken legs
and more. He required dozens of
surgeries and lost his ability to walk
and talk.
But he survived. And in the two
years since the accident, McColl
has worked tirelessly to get better
and make the most of his second
chance at life.
McColl put in the work with
around-the-clock rehab and a
different type of therapy five days a
week. The work has paid off.
He was discharged from his
rehab facility in November 2023.
He’s back to walking and talking
and is able to live on his own.
He continues physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech
therapy and more on a weekly
basis.
McColl’s recovery has gone so
well that he currently walks 2-5
miles a day and recently walked a
5K for a brain cancer fundraiser
with one of his physical therapists
from Detroit Receiving Hospital.
He has received endless support
from family and friends during his
road to recovery.
McColl’s mom, Kim Teweles, says
her son has a new lease on life after
the accident. She says he knows
how lucky he is to be alive — and
his smile and overall positive
attitude are proof of that.
He is making good choices,
surrounding himself with good
people and not living as fast of a
lifestyle as he did before. And that’s
fine by him. The accident was a
wake-up call.
Before the accident, McColl
was an aspiring photographer and
videographer. He was three months
away from getting his degree in
film production and digital media.
That passion, put on hold, is one
he’s still planning to pursue. But
now his second chance at life has
given him a new dream — sharing
his story and inspiring others.
He will do just that at the Max
McColl Wellness Exhibition on
Nov. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in Orley Hall
at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in
Southfield.
McColl will share the story of his
survival and his passionate drive
to help others in their mental and
physical health journeys. Following
his discussion, he will host an
educational wellness fair featuring
several organizations that specialize
in various areas of wellness
who will be on hand to provide
information and support.
Some of those partner
organizations include Maple Grove,
JFS/JARA, BBYO and Friendship
Circle (UMATTER).
This event is open to everyone
but geared toward teens and young
adults.
McColl has shared his story in
front of audiences a few times now,
and he’s looking forward to doing
it again.
“If I can help one person, it’s a
success,” he says.
To register for the free event, visit https://
shaareyzedek.shulcloud.com/event/the-max-
mccoll-wellness-exhibition.html.
The Max McColl Wellness Exhibition takes place Nov. 10 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
A Second Chance at Life
DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
OUR COMMUNITY