Helping Maxine Smile Again: A Miracle Makers Surprise

This year has been difficult for everyone but, for Maxine Hooker, 2020 has been one of the worst. 

In January, a broken water pipe drove Maxine and her husband of 63 years, Mason, out of their two-bedroom apartment—their furniture was soaked, with much of it unusable. With no other choice, the couple took refuge in a small one-bedroom apartment while they decided on their next move. 

Fast forward a few months to May. Mason, who suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a lung disease of unknown origin—tragically passed away. 

“We would have been married for 64 years in January, but that didn’t happen,” said Maxine. 

Just two days after Mason passed, dozens of boxes were delivered to Maxine’s doorstep. These boxes contained all her belongings salvaged from the flooded apartment. 

Sheryl Hanson, Maxine’s daughter, said the work of sorting through the boxes didn’t allow her mom to properly mourn Mason. 

“We just didn’t really even have time to grieve for my dad, but she was strong that entire time,” Sheryl said. “And that’s why she’s my hero.”

Sheryl contacted Mountain America Credit Union to share her mom’s story and we decided this was a job for the Miracle Makers. Although nothing can bring Mason back, we hope we were able to bring a smile to Maxine’s face during these trying times. 

Mountain America is proud to partner with NBC 12 News to make dreams come true for members of our community! You can nominate a deserving person or family for a visit from the Miracle Makers by filling out the form here.