Awesome Parent Vicky Vriniotis

by Lorri Benedik

In May 2000, Vicky Vriniotis and Emru Townsend welcomed their son Maximus. “We had concerns about Max as an infant – he cried a lot and would not be soothed,” Vriniotis said. “I attributed his difficulties to my postpartum depression and the stress of moving houses when he was six weeks old.” At 18 months, the pediatrician found Max big for his age and falling short of developmental milestones. She ordered a CT scan, bone density and genetic testing, which revealed that Max has Sotos syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by excessive physical growth in early childhood and some cognitive impairment. The couple put no limit on expectations of what their son could achieve.

Max began attending a socialization group two mornings a week at Centre de réadaptation de l’Ouest de Montréal (CROM). Vriniotis returned to her coordinator job at Merck, and soon Max was integrated in the company daycare.

In 2007, Emru Townsend became very ill and was ultimately diagnosed with leukemia. He had chemotherapy but the treatment did not work. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant. The international registry eventually found a match, but the transplant was not successful; they were told he had weeks to live. “Before Emru passed away I told him I was thinking of asking my parents to come live with us, to help with Max,” Vriniotis said. “He thought it was a fabulous idea.”

Emru Townsend died in November 2008, at age 39. “Two months later my mom and dad moved in. Having them with us was incredible,” said Vriniotis. “It allowed me to grieve properly for my husband and begin to find myself again.” Max has always been close to his extended family and friends. “He has a unique connection with each person. Their love for him is layered, like flavours in a gourmet meal,” she said.

Max has enjoyed his involvement with the Special Olympics. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he competed in bowling and swimming. He attended Summit School for 10 years, graduating in 2021, and recently started at Endeavour – a continuing education program for adults with special needs run through the Place Cartier Adult Education Centre of the Lester B. Pearson School Board.

“Max is joyful, kind and loves saying hello to everyone,” said Vriniotis. “Our happy-go-lucky gentle giant may have a promising career as a Walmart greeter.”