12 NOVEMBER 2025 By Rachael Bouley What was supposed to be an incredible year-long adventure down under changed in an instant for Max Allen. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Urban Planning, the Brophy Prep alum set out for Sydney, Australia, where he planned to split his 12-month work visa by working at a bakery and a ranch. He arrived late on September 4 for what should have been the trip of a lifetime, but within the first 36 hours, the unthinkable happened: he suffered a severe spinal cord injury. “On Saturday morning, Max went to the beach with a couple of friends,” his sister, Olivia Allen, shared. “While wading in waist-deep water, he dove forward and unknowingly struck a hidden sandbar, fracturing his C5 vertebra. His friends and an off-duty lifeguard acted quickly to prevent the injury from becoming fatal.” Max was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove his C5, perform a bone graft, and secure his neck with plates and screws. The C5 nerves control breathing, so for three days, he was sedated and intubated until his diaphragm grew stronger and doctors were able to remove the tube. He remained in the ICU, where they gave him medication to increase his blood pressure, before being moved to the acute short-term trauma ward. “Max worked hard in therapy and slowly began regaining some movement,” Allen said. “He gained some strength back in his left leg and left arm, and most of his right arm. On September 25, he wiggled the toes in his right leg.” His dad arrived a few days after the accident, and his mom wasn’t far behind, there by his side during the early weeks of his recovery. Once Max was deemed medically able to fly, he was repatriated alongside his parents as they flew back to the U.S. with two traveling nurses. They arrived in Denver and within a few days, Max was being transitioned into Craig Hospital, one of the leading spinal rehabilitation centers in the country. “Through it all, he has continued to stay positive. My brother is kind, funny, and polite by nature,” Allen said. “Growing up, he was always active – constantly playing in the backyard or on the playground. He played a variety of sports over the years, including soccer, flag football, tackle football, wrestling, and track and field.” Max attended Echo Canyon and Veritas before graduating from Brophy. He has a close-knit group of friends from the Arcadia area, and friends and their families in Australia also showed immense support by visiting him regularly and staying in constant contact with his loved ones before they could get there. The family started a CaringBridge site to provide regular updates on Max’s journey, and a GoFundMe to raise crucial funds to support his recovery. Allen said they’re amazed by the response and support from Arcadia neighbors and those in Sydney. “So many family, friends, and neighbors have reached out – whether donating, sharing his story, sending kind thoughts, or even bringing meals to our family,” Allen said. “The support has been overwhelming in the best way, and it means so much to us.” The fundraiser has already made an enormous difference, raising over $120,000, which allowed Max’s parents to get to Australia and bring their son home safely. These funds will continue to help with rehabilitation, physical therapy, home healthcare, medications, mobility, and assistive equipment, as well as ADA home modifications, travel- associated expenses, and medical bills. The family partnered with a church in Englewood, CO, which allows donations to be tax-deductible, ensuring that 100 percent of every gift goes directly toward Max’s care. He currently has limited mobility in his limbs, and while the future holds many unknowns, no one is giving up. “If you know Max, you know his strength, stubborn determination, and big heart,” Allen said. “Our family mantra has become ‘little victories lead to big victories.’ Already, Max is working toward those victories every single day.” Bronco grad’s road to recovery after tragedy down under Max Allen, known for his adventurous spirit and big heart, suffered a C5 spinal cord injury at an Australian beach. PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ALLEN SUPPORT MAX'S SPINAL CORD RECOVERY GRAND OPENING Phase 2 Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Arcadia’s Premier New Community. ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS RAFFLE GIVEAWAY Saturday, November 22, 2025 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 4220 N 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85018 Tour Our New Luxury Model Homes and Enjoy A Festive Morning! Interest rates are introductory and subject to change. Contact our sales team for current rates. * You’re Invited! You’re Invited! Let Us Know You’re Coming! 3.25% Exclusive Interest Rates *

Check out the dazzling event lineup SCOTTSDAZZLE.COM · oldtownscottsdale · #SCOTTSDAZZLE N O V 2 9 – D E C 3 1 Experience a month-long holiday celebration like no other—complete with dazzling décor, exceptional dining and shopping, festive tours, and unforgettable events. Don’t miss the magic! SCOTTSDAZZLE STROLL & SHOP Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank Saturday, December 6, 13, 20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland and stroll to the beat of local musicians! Plus, the Merchantile of Scottsdale is lining Stetson Plaza with local, pop-up boutiques featuring unique seasonal gifts. HOLLY JOLLY DIY DÉCOR Marshall Way Bridge Saturday, December 13 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM You will be guided through a hands-on, craft session by professional artists of the Scottsdale Artists’ School. You can take home your own artfully created decoration. STARLIGHT MOVIE NIGHT Scottsdale Civic Center Saturday, December 6 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Grab a cozy blanket, friends and family, and head over to the Scottsdale Civic Center to enjoy a seasonal showing under the stars of the popular holiday movie, Home Alone . JINGLE & JAZZ TREE LIGHTING SPECTACULAR Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank Saturday, November 29 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM This cheerful gathering truly ignites the spirit of the season throughout the city of Scottsdale and serves as the signature kickoff event of Scottsdazzle. The night culminates with the lighting of a 36-foot Scottsdazzle tree.