06/09/2026
Meet Max & Marissa — The Inspiration Behind the Freedom Ride 🧡🏍️
Max is 20. Marissa is 12.
Both were diagnosed with autism at a young age. Both are nonspeakers. Both found their voices through Spelling to Communicate (S2C). And both have inspired the Cork-N-Bottle’s Freedom Ride.
After years of being unable to reliably communicate his thoughts, needs, and dreams, Max began spelling and revealed a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor, and a lifelong dream of riding a motorcycle. Learning about Max’s life and finally hearing his voice has been nothing short of inspiring.
Marissa found her voice through S2C four years ago and has been inspiring everyone around her ever since. She is full of personality, determination, and joy. Whether she’s cheering on her friends, sharing her thoughts through spelling, or lighting up a room with her smile, Marissa reminds us every day of the power of communication.
What makes their stories even more special is that their moms are the co-founders of the Twenty-Six Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping nonspeaking individuals with autism and other motor challenges gain access to communication through scholarships and support services. Their families have experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of communication and have turned that experience into a mission to help others.
Max and Marissa are a reminder of why the Freedom Ride exists. Their journeys show what becomes possible when nonspeaking individuals are given access to communication and the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, dreams, and opinions.
All proceeds from the Freedom Ride will benefit the Twenty-Six Foundation, helping provide communication scholarships and support for nonspeaking individuals and their families.
Join us as we ride to support communication, inclusion, and opportunity.
As Max says,
“RIDE ON!” 🧡🏍️
