Latest news with #TransverseMyelitis
Time of India
6 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Becoming paralysed changed my outlook on life'
A student who was told he may never walk again after becoming paralysed says he has a different perspective on life as he prepares to run the London Marathon. Tommy Rowlinson became paralysed from the chest down aged 19 after being diagnosed with Acute Transverse Myelitis in 2022, a condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Now, the 21-year-old University of Sussex law student is set to join thousands of runners taking to the streets of London on 27 April as he aims to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries. He said: "Going through something so traumatic does change your perspective on life. I'm a lot more grateful for what I've got and who I've got around me." Mr Rowlinson, from Bexleyheath, said he first noticed issues in September 2022 when his legs felt "abnormally weak". The next morning he collapsed while trying to get out of bed before taking himself to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. He went on to spend three months at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath before being treated at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Initially requiring a wheelchair, Mr Rowlinson was told that he may never walk again. But after months of physiotherapy, he can now walk and run, despite still suffering from some symptoms such as managing his bladder and bowels. He added: "I remember the first night when things started to come back and I could move from my knee to my hip. "It was the most incredible feeling ever. I FaceTimed my parents to show them I was moving my leg. It's such a fond memory from such a horrible time. "I'm a big believer that things will always get better, but I've come to terms with my injury now. The remnant conditions I have I'm happy enough with that I'm able to live a full life." Mr Rowlinson will run the London Marathon in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association, aiming to complete the event in less than five hours. He had intended to complete the marathon in his wheelchair, but after recovering quicker than anticipated, will now run the 26.2 mile (42.2km) course. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Traffic cone man eyes London Marathon world record London Marathon field set to break world record London Marathon Spinal Injury Association
