Taking it to the Max-ine!

If you’re searching for your daily dose of inspiration, look no further. News 25’s Hank Davis joins us with the story of a woman with no limitations.
We’ve all heard the old adage “age is just a number” and Maxine Nelson is a living example. She’ll be 80 this September, she’s fighting two debilitating diseases and nothing can stop her.
Iron Works Gym in Biloxi is home to plenty of fitness freaks, but you won’t find a harder worker than Maxine Nelson. At 79-years-old she’s fighting both CIDP and Parkinson’s disease. For Maxine, putting in work in the weight room is the key to winning the battle. “I have two conditions. I have CIDP, which is very rare. It affects your balance and essentially from my knees down I have no feeling. Two years ago I had developed Parkinson’s disease,” said Maxine.
David Green with Green’s Extreme Fitness said, “When I first saw her come in, I realized she was gonna be a challenge to work with, but I really want to make sure I help Ms. Maxine become stronger, become more self-sufficient. Her determination and her will, I just have so much respect for her. It’s unbelievable.”
Maxine has come a long way in a short period of time. Just months ago, she required frequent physical therapy sessions and now she’s a regular at the gym and regaining her independence step by step. Maxine’s daughter, Sara Wood, said, “Last year she spent probably just shy of three months in the hospital and almost didn’t make it several times. She had some serious things going on. We’re so happy she’s doing as well as she is. She’s definitely an inspiration for me and others.”
You can catch Maxine in the gym on a regular basis, but stay out of her way because she has work to do!
In the short time since Maxine has started her journey in the gym, she’s been able to take up knitting again, she’s starting to cook meals on her own. She’s looking forward to many more years with her family and friends.