A 20-year-old athlete from Canada is calling for help after being left 'completely paralyzed from her neck down' in just two hours.
Brooklyn Aleksic, an athlete in curling and a student at the University of Victoria in Canada, had been preparing to start a summer job at a golf course in June when she woke up one morning and found that she couldn't move.
According to a GoFundMe page, Brook had been 'thriving', with 'everything on track', until things took a sudden turn.
"She enjoyed High Academic Achievement at UVIC, a documentary about her curling team had recently premiered, and she was spending the summer working at a golf course in Saskatchewan, living with family. Everything was on track, until it wasn't," the page reads.
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Brook's mom, Shannon Joanisse, told CTV News that within two hours of waking up Brook was 'completely paralyzed from her neck down'.
After being taken to hospital, Brook was diagnosed with transverse myelitis; a disorder which occurs when a section of the spinal cord is inflamed.
"Her onset was rapid and severe," the GoFundMe, started by Brook's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, says. "Brook lost all movement and sensation from the chest down. 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."
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The family is hopeful Brook will be able to walk and curl again in the future, but in the meantime one key element of her treatment involves plasma exchanges.
Dezura explained: “At the end of this week, she will have had 14 plasma exchanges and each plasma exchange takes approximately almost 13 donors to provide enough plasma for one exchange. Brook will have had 14, and that totals 175 donors. So Brook, it’s really important to her [to share the message about the donation]."
The GoFundMe page also includes 'a note from Brook' regarding donations of the substance.
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It reads: "As part of her treatment, Brook has received several plasma exchanges. If you're eligible to donate plasma or blood, doing so in her honour is another powerful way to support people like her in crisis. Look for "Brook's Plasma Pals" at blood.ca to join."
As well as sharing the message about plasma donation, the fundraiser has been started with the intention of covering the costs of wheelchairs and other equipment, as well as medical transportation, home care and essential support as Brook 'adjusts to her new reality'.
"Brook continues to amaze us," the page says. "Even in the face of profound challenges, she's smiling, cracking jokes, and always thanking every single person she comes in contact with. Her spirit is unshaken and we want to match that strength with action.
"If you're able to donate, we are deeply grateful. If you can't, please consider sharing this page. It helps more than you know."
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You can donate to Brook's GoFundMe page here.
Emily Brown