Latest news with #CurlPower
The Province
4 days ago
- Health
- The Province
Canadian curler, 20, paralyzed by rare condition: 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself'
'Still finding a way to look on the bright side': Brook Aleksic was working a summer job when she suddenly 'lost all sensation from the chest down' Brook Aleksic and her teammates are the focus of the documentary Curl Power. Aleksic was recently diagnosed with a rare condition that caused her to become paralyzed from the neck down. Photo by The Impact Series A 20-year-old woman and curler from B.C. has been left paralyzed by a rare neurological condition called transverse myelitis. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The story of Brook Aleksic has been shared on fundraising website GoFundMe. Aleksic's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, an Olympic bronze medalist in the sport, organized the fundraiser. As of Monday, it was around $6,000 shy of its $100,000 goal. Aleksic was working at a golf course in Saskatchewan for the summer while living with family when she suddenly 'lost all movement and sensation from the chest down,' according to her GoFundMe. 'Her onset was rapid and severe,' says the fundraising site. 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. The damage to her spinal cord is extensive. While there is hope for some recovery, her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Aleksic, a student at the University of Victoria, had also been featured with her friends in a curling documentary released last year. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The documentary Curl Power from director Josephine Anderson follows the lives of a teenage girls' curling team as they work towards a major tournament and growing up. Sav Miley, Brook Aleksic, Amy Wheatcroft, Hannah Smeed and Ashley Dezura. Photo by The Impact Series Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson, who directed Curl Power, filmed Aleksic and her curling teammates 'for much of their teenagehood, as they pursued their dream of becoming national champions,' she told National Post in an email over the weekend. Anderson said audience members connected with Aleksic. 'Brook always leans towards gratitude and optimism, even when facing difficult moments in her life,' said Anderson. 'When we filmed, Brook was bravely open about struggling with body image and self confidence. We had many, many audience members tell us that Brook was especially inspirational to them.' Anderson urged anyone who could help Aleksic and her family 'during this life altering time' to 'please come forward' to offer support. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Becoming paralyzed in a matter of hours is surely the biggest and scariest challenge she's had to face,' Anderson told National Post. 'But somehow Brook is still finding a way to look on the bright side.' Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately one to eight people per million each year in the United States, or roughly 1,400 new cases a year, according to the academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic. It's caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, which can damage myelin, the insulating material that covers your nerves, explains a webpage about the condition by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. There is no cure, but there are treatments that include high doses of steroids or plasma exchange therapy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A third of those with transverse myelitis can have a full or near-full recovery, according to Johns Hopkins. Another third can have 'fair recovery' while the final third could 'recover poorly and have major physical disabilities.' Recovery can take up to two years. Aleksic was diagnosed in June, CTV News reported. Her mother, Shannon Joanisse, told the Canadian broadcaster that 'within two hours of waking up' one morning, she was 'completely paralyzed from her neck down.' She described Aleksic as a 'ray of light' and a 'fighter' with a 'huge circle of friends,' who was going to university to become an elementary school teacher. Joanisse, an accomplished curler herself, said she was grateful for the support she's received. 'Complete strangers have reached out supporting us, and we can't thank them enough for that. Thank you to everyone,' she told CTV News. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dezura organized the GoFundMe page on behalf of Joanisse. She estimated that as of July 4, Aleksic would have had 14 plasma exchanges. Each exchange uses blood from nearly 13 donors, Dezura said, which is why it's 'really important' to get the message out there about plasma donation. Aleksic was recently transported from a hospital in Regina, Sask., to one in Vancouver, according to a GoFundMe update on July 5. 'This move brings her one step closer to the answers, treatment options, and the hope of recovery we're all praying for. She arrived safely and is settling in,' the update said. 'Thank you to each and every one of you for your support, prayers, and generous donations. You are making this possible for her.' Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Crime News Vancouver Whitecaps Entertainment
Calgary Herald
5 days ago
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Canadian curler, 20, paralyzed by rare condition: 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself'
Article content A 20-year-old woman and curler from B.C. has been left paralyzed by a rare neurological condition called transverse myelitis. Article content The story of Brook Aleksic has been shared on fundraising website GoFundMe. Aleksic's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, an Olympic bronze medalist in the sport, organized the fundraiser. As of Monday, it was around $6,000 shy of its $100,000 goal. Article content Article content Article content 'Her onset was rapid and severe,' says the fundraising site. 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. The damage to her spinal cord is extensive. While there is hope for some recovery, her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Article content Article content Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson, who directed Curl Power, filmed Aleksic and her curling teammates 'for much of their teenagehood, as they pursued their dream of becoming national champions,' she told National Post in an email over the weekend. Anderson said audience members connected with Aleksic. Article content Article content 'Brook always leans towards gratitude and optimism, even when facing difficult moments in her life,' said Anderson. 'When we filmed, Brook was bravely open about struggling with body image and self confidence. We had many, many audience members tell us that Brook was especially inspirational to them.' Article content Article content Anderson urged anyone who could help Aleksic and her family 'during this life altering time' to 'please come forward' to offer support. Article content 'Becoming paralyzed in a matter of hours is surely the biggest and scariest challenge she's had to face,' Anderson told National Post. 'But somehow Brook is still finding a way to look on the bright side.' Article content Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately one to eight people per million each year in the United States, or roughly 1,400 new cases a year, according to the academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic.
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Canadian curler, 20, paralyzed by rare condition: 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself'
A 20-year-old woman and curler from B.C. has been left paralyzed by a rare neurological condition called transverse myelitis. The story of Brook Aleksic has been shared on fundraising website GoFundMe . Aleksic's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, an Olympic bronze medalist in the sport, organized the fundraiser. As of Monday, it was around $6,000 shy of its $100,000 goal. Aleksic was working at a golf course in Saskatchewan for the summer while living with family when she suddenly 'lost all movement and sensation from the chest down,' per GoFundMe. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Her onset was rapid and severe,' according to the fundraising site. 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. The damage to her spinal cord is extensive. While there is hope for some recovery, her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Aleksic, a student at the University of Victoria, had also been featured with her friends in a curling documentary released last year . Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson, who directed Curl Power , filmed Aleksic and her curling teammates 'for much of their teenagehood, as they pursued their dream of becoming national champions,' she told National Post in an email over the weekend. Anderson said audience members connected with Aleksic. 'Brook always leans towards gratitude and optimism, even when facing difficult moments in her life,' said Anderson. 'When we filmed, Brook was bravely open about struggling with body image and self confidence. We had many, many audience members tell us that Brook was especially inspirational to them.' Anderson urged anyone who could help Aleksic and her family 'during this life altering time' to 'please come forward' to offer support. 'Becoming paralyzed in a matter of hours is surely the biggest and scariest challenge she's had to face,' Anderson told National Post. 'But somehow Brook is still finding a way to look on the bright side.' Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately 1 to 8 people per million each year in the United States, or roughly 1,400 new cases a year, according to academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic. It's caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, which can damage myelin, the insulating material that covers your nerves, explains a webpage about the condition by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. There is no cure, but there are treatments that include high doses of steroids or plasma exchange therapy. A third of those with transverse myelitis can have a full or near-full recovery, per Johns Hopkins. Another third can have 'fair recovery' while the final third could 'recover poorly and have major physical disabilities.' Recovery can take up to two years. Aleksic was diagnosed in June, CTV News reported . Her mother, Shannon Joanisse, told the publication that 'within two hours of waking up' one morning, she was 'completely paralyzed from her neck down.' She described Aleksic as a 'ray of light' and a 'fighter' with a 'huge circle of friends,' who was going to university to become an elementary school teacher. Joanisse, an accomplished curler herself, said she was grateful for the support she's received. 'Complete strangers have reached out supporting us, and we can't thank them enough for that. Thank you to everyone,' she said, per CTV News. Dezura organized the GoFundMe page on behalf of Joanisse. She estimated that as of July 4, Aleksic would have had 14 plasma exchanges. Each exchange uses blood from nearly 13 donors, Dezura said, which is why it's 'really important' to get the message out there about plasma donation. Aleksic was recently transported from a hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan to one in Vancouver, according to a GoFundMe update on July 5. 'This move brings her one step closer to the answers, treatment options, and the hope of recovery we're all praying for. She arrived safely and is settling in,' the update said. 'Thank you to each and every one of you for your support, prayers, and generous donations. You are making this possible for her.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
5 days ago
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Canadian curler, 20, paralyzed by rare condition: 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself'
Article content A 20-year-old woman and curler from B.C. has been left paralyzed by a rare neurological condition called transverse myelitis. Article content The story of Brook Aleksic has been shared on fundraising website GoFundMe. Aleksic's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, an Olympic bronze medalist in the sport, organized the fundraiser. As of Monday, it was around $6,000 shy of its $100,000 goal. Article content Article content Article content 'Her onset was rapid and severe,' according to the fundraising site. 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. The damage to her spinal cord is extensive. While there is hope for some recovery, her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Article content Article content Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson, who directed Curl Power, filmed Aleksic and her curling teammates 'for much of their teenagehood, as they pursued their dream of becoming national champions,' she told National Post in an email over the weekend. Anderson said audience members connected with Aleksic. Article content Article content 'Brook always leans towards gratitude and optimism, even when facing difficult moments in her life,' said Anderson. 'When we filmed, Brook was bravely open about struggling with body image and self confidence. We had many, many audience members tell us that Brook was especially inspirational to them.' Article content Article content Anderson urged anyone who could help Aleksic and her family 'during this life altering time' to 'please come forward' to offer support. Article content 'Becoming paralyzed in a matter of hours is surely the biggest and scariest challenge she's had to face,' Anderson told National Post. 'But somehow Brook is still finding a way to look on the bright side.' Article content Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately 1 to 8 people per million each year in the United States, or roughly 1,400 new cases a year, according to academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Curling star Brooklyn Aleksic paralyzed from neck down as rare disease shatters her athletic future
Curling star Brooklyn Aleksic paralyzed from neck down as rare disease shatters her athletic future (Image Via Getty) 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.
