05/15/2023
MPS Awareness Day - May 15, 2023
Today, we remember our sons, Max & Toby Mingo. Both boys had MPS II, a rare degenerative disease, that limited their life span, but not their spirits.
These photos are from Toby's trip to the San Diego Zoo in 2010 and from the Pittsburgh Schenley Plaza Carousel
Here, they are both still mobile, able to run, full of energy and laughter. They required one-on-one care from the moment they woke up, until the moment they fell asleep. So much fun and so much work. Dutch MacDonald and I loved them so very much.
It took a village of family, friends and caregivers, as it does for many with MPS II. Be kind to those who walk this path and other challenging paths. Offer help without being asked. Bring flowers, food and love. We are so grateful to have had the support of so many.
Consider a donation to or the MacDonald Mingo Memorial Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation. https://pittsburghfoundation.org/mingo
04/12/2023
April 11. 2023 - Max would have been 21 years old today.
Pictured here in September 2016, age 14, with his beautiful dog Walnut. Notice his Steeler's jersey - he loved watching football games.
At this point, he couldn't walk by himself anymore. He couldn't talk either, but notice that eye contact with the photographer. He could say so much with his eyes! He loved being with all of us, especially his crew of helpers.
Happy Birthday Max! We miss you and your positive energy every day.
03/30/2023
Today, March 29, 2023, Toby would have been 19 years old!
This photo is from 2009, when he was five. He was still able to talk then! Such an amazing five year old, wearing his hearing aides and glasses.
So, so cute.
Go outside, jump in some leaves, laugh as much as you can and get into, as his brother Max would say, "a little bit of trouble."
Remembering Max & Toby
02/08/2023
Max always had a smile on his face 💜
10/20/2022
Count down to Halloween 🎃💜
09/02/2022
Max and Walnut - adorable.
06/29/2022
Max sure did love the beach 💜🏝
04/08/2022
Throw back to Max’s 15th birthday party 💜
03/29/2022
Toby would have been 18 today. What a beautiful boy. Do something today that makes you laugh, just like Toby!
Dutch MacDonald
03/28/2022
2010, on our way to San Diego for Toby's Make A Wish trip. Toby was almost 6 and Max was almost 8. Dutch MacDonald, Sarah Collins DiLeo and Donald Gold