Curling star Brooklyn Aleksic paralyzed from neck down as rare disease shatters her athletic future
A bright young curler and University of Victoria student, Brooklyn Aleksic, suddenly awoke unable to move her body one June morning. In just two hours, she lost use of her neck and limbs.
Now facing life 'paralyzed from the neck down,' she and her family have launched a fundraising campaign as they begin an uncertain path toward treatment and recovery.
Brooklyn Aleksic's rapid battle with
Transverse Myelitis
On a summer morning in early June 2025, 20‑year‑old Brooklyn Aleksic woke up ready for her job in Saskatchewan but instead, within hours, she was completely paralyzed from the neck down. Diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation, the condition is typically sudden and severe.
Her mother, Shannon Joanisse, told CTV News that 'within two hours of waking up … she was completely paralyzed from her neck down.
'
Aleksic is well known in Canada's curling community. A top student at UVic and a featured athlete in the 2024 documentary Curl Power, she had a full summer planned before this crisis. Retired curler Diane Dezura, now organizing the GoFundMe, called Brooklyn's condition 'rapid and severe,' noting she can no longer sit up, move her legs, or care for herself.
Brooklyn Aleksic's fundraiser launched as family braces for a long and costly recovery
The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Dezura on behalf of Shannon Joanisse, reports that extensive rehabilitation, equipment, and 24/7 care will be required. It warns: 'The damage to her spinal cord is extensive … her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Brooklyn is receiving plasma exchange treatments in hopes of reversing the damage, 'at the end of this week, she will have had 14 plasma exchanges.'
Also Read:
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr Deal Worth $700 Million Sets Dangerous New Bar In Sports Salaries
Her mother describes Brooklyn as 'a ray of light,' bright, positive, and academically driven . Despite losing her physical abilities, she continues to smile and joke, inspiring many around her. The funds will support medical transfers to Vancouver, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
Brooklyn was once a rising star in curling and had plans to work at a golf course this summer. Now, she is fighting a tough medical battle. Her condition highlights how quickly health can change and how essential community support is.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Retired NFL star Kurt Warner's family advocacy intensifies amid 2025 Medicaid cuts
Kurt and Brenda Warner lead their family's disability advocacy mission (Image via Getty) Kurt Warner, the Hall of Fame quarterback turned humanitarian, and his family are once again in the spotlight—not for football, but for their unwavering support of people with disabilities. As the U.S. government enacts major healthcare funding changes, the Warner family's decades-long mission rooted in personal tragedy now feels more urgent than ever. From family trauma to national advocacy The Warners' commitment began with heartbreak. In the early '90s, Brenda Warner's infant son Zack suffered a traumatic brain injury after slipping from his biological father's arms. The accident left Zack blind and developmentally disabled. When Kurt met Brenda, a former Marine and single mother, he stepped into the role of caregiver without hesitation. That private trauma laid the foundation for public impact. In 2001, Kurt and Brenda launched the First Things First Foundation, focused on helping families with special needs, particularly children facing life-threatening conditions. One of their most celebrated efforts is an annual Make-A-Wish-style trip to Disney World. Since 2002, the Warners have hosted more than 179 critically ill children and their families on all-expenses-paid Disney vacations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e tornozelos inchados? Descubra o que pode ajudar a drenar agora aartedoherbalismo Undo The trip not only creates joy for the children, but also serves as a lifeline for parents navigating medical and emotional hardships. This year's trip—their 23rd—coincided with growing concern about proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other vital support systems. While the family has not publicly commented on specific legislation, disability advocates nationwide warn that such changes could impact access to care for individuals like Zack. Though Zack is now an adult, the Warner family's mission continues through their children, including daughter Jada Jo, who often participates in community and foundation events. Each family member has grown into their own form of advocacy, creative work, or service. Kurt and Brenda are parents to seven children, all raised with an emphasis on faith, resilience, and compassion. Whether through sports, art, or nonprofit work, the family continues to share a message of inclusion and support—especially for those living with visible and invisible disabilities. Also read: Rams rookie Terrance Ferguson's bride-to-be Sophia Meyer teases NFL fairytale with cryptic countdown In a time of uncertainty, the Warners' enduring efforts serve as a reminder that real change often begins at home. Their story continues to inspire families navigating disability, not just through words—but through decades of action. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
White Sox legend Bobby Jenks dies at 44 just days before 2005 World Series reunion
White Sox legend Bobby Jenks dies at 44 just days before 2005 World Series reunion (Image via Getty) The Chicago White Sox family mourns the tragic death of former All-Star closer Bobby Jenks. He passed away, the organization declared on Friday, July 5, 2025, just days before the 20th anniversary celebration of the 2005 World Series champion squad. Memories of one of the most iconic times in White Sox history, he passed at 44 following a fierce fight with stomach cancer. What happened to Bobby Jenks and how did he lose his life Bobby Jenks first gained fame in 2005 when he debuted for the Chicago White Sox in the major leagues. He helped the team to win its first World Series in 88 years the same year. He was the one on the mound during many key events, finishing World Series Game 4 in Houston and marking the save in the ALDS sweep over the Red Sox. Jenks quickly became among MLB's best closers, well-known for his fast fastball and composed under pressure. In 2006 and 2007 he was awarded back-to-back All-Star honors. With over 40 saves a year, he played a major role in enabling the squad to win games during those seasons. He finished his career second in franchise history for saves with the White Sox having 173 career saves and a 3. 40 ERA across six seasons. In 2007, Jenks tied an American League record by retiring 41 straight batters, a streak that was only broken by teammate Mark Buehrle two years later. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo Bobby Jenks' health battles and coaching comeback plans After his peak years in Chicago, Bobby Jenks joined the Boston Red Sox but struggled with injuries. His MLB career ended in 2011 after a series of health issues. Even after leaving the majors, Jenks continued to fight. Though he dealt with many medical ailments, he returned to baseball in 2024 leading the Windy City ThunderBolts in an independent league. Also Read: Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt faces major setback with expected Tommy John surgery Despite his preparations to return to the dugout in 2025, his fight against adenocarcinoma, a kind of stomach cancer, kept him off the game he loved. Leaving his wife Eleni and their two kids behind, Jenks departs for four children from a previous marriage. White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf shared, 'Bobby will always have a special place in our hearts. His legacy is part of our history forever.' For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes opens up about bizarre ketchup obsession that leaves people speechless
Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes opens up about bizarre ketchup obsession that leaves people speechless (Image via Getty) Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently shared something surprising. He admitted that he once had a serious ketchup obsession. The NFL star said he used to eat ketchup with almost everything. His love for the red sauce started when he was young and lasted into his early NFL years. Patrick Mahomes used to eat ketchup on almost everything Patrick Mahomes discussed his odd diet in an interview on June 29, 2025. He claimed he would have ketchup with basic sandwiches, barbecue, mac and cheese, eggs, steak, turkey, ham, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Patrick Mahomes said, 'I just felt like ketchup made everything better.' This practice was so ingrained that it startled even the nutritionists working for his team. According to John Dillon, the Kansas City Chiefs' nutritionist, too much ketchup can be a worry given its salt and sugar even if it is not the worst thing. He stated that Mahomes's eating habits have evolved to be more cautious, including vegetables, proteins, and grains, and that his meals are now balanced. Patrick Mahomes is now making healthier choices Patrick Mahomes also said his eating habits have evolved throughout time. Understanding the need of eating the right meals, he directs the Chiefs on the field. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo by Taboola by Taboola He said he does not have ketchup with every meal even if he still likes it. Patrick Mahomes explained on July 1, 2025 how his main aim had changed toward staying prepared for practices and next competitions. Having assisted the Chiefs return to the playoffs, he wishes to maintain his top condition. That includes selecting wiser dishes and staying away from too much of any one thing, including ketchup. Also Read: 'Until we got married': Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes opens up about how Brittany supported him since high school This little piece from Patrick Mahomes' life offers a look into how players develop over time. Even stars have personal habits they strive to control. One case of how Patrick Mahomes is striving to be at his best both on and off the field is his ketchup narrative. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
