A promising young athlete’s life has been changed dramatically after being diagnosed with a rare and life-altering condition. Brooklyn Aleksic, a top student at the University of Victoria in Canada and a star member of her curling team, is now paralyzed from the neck down following a sudden diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis, a rare and serious neurological disorder.
Aleksic, who had been recently featured in the 2024 documentary Curl Power alongside her curling team, was spending her summer working at a golf course in Saskatchewan when the devastating news came. According to her GoFundMe page, the condition struck unexpectedly, leaving her unable to move within hours.
What Is Transverse Myelitis?
Transverse Myelitis is a condition defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) as an inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause significant neurological damage. In Brooklyn’s case, this rare condition led to her sudden and severe paralysis, impacting her ability to move or care for herself.
According to Brooklyn’s mother, Shannon Joanisse, who spoke to CTV News from Regina General Hospital, the onset of the condition was incredibly rapid. “Within two hours of waking up that morning, she was completely paralyzed from her neck down,” Joanisse explained.
A Star Athlete’s Unexpected Struggle
Brooklyn’s transformation from a competitive athlete to someone unable to move her legs or sit up was nothing short of shocking. She had previously competed in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts five times, and now she faces an uncertain future.
Retired curler Diane Dezura, who is managing a GoFundMe page for Aleksic and her family, described the illness as “rapid and severe.” The fundraiser notes that while there is hope for some recovery, the road ahead will be “long, uncertain, and expensive.”
In addition to the extensive spinal damage, Brooklyn will need significant medical support, including transport to Vancouver for long-term rehabilitation.
The Emotional Toll
While Brooklyn’s physical journey is uncertain, her family and friends are rallying around her with love and support. “She’s a ray of light in everybody’s life,” her mother said. “She’s positive. She’s a fighter, and Brooklyn thrives academically. She’s going to UVic to become an elementary school teacher.”
Despite the gravity of her condition, Brooklyn has maintained an unwavering spirit. “Brook continues to amaze us. 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,” said Diane Dezura, emphasizing Brooklyn’s strength and resilience.
Seeking Help for Brooklyn’s Recovery
Brooklyn is currently undergoing aggressive treatment, including plasma exchange therapy, a process aimed at reversing some of the spinal damage caused by Transverse Myelitis. While the results are uncertain, this is one of the most intensive treatments available for the condition.
Brooklyn’s mother expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received, saying, “Complete strangers have reached out supporting us, and we can’t thank them enough for that. Thank you to everyone.”
The Long Road Ahead
The road to recovery for Brooklyn will be long and challenging, requiring extensive care, rehabilitation, and adaptive modifications to her living environment. The GoFundMe page stresses the financial burden, noting that in addition to medical costs, the family will need support for mobility equipment and 24/7 care.
Through all of this, Brooklyn’s determination remains a beacon of hope. “We just want to give her the chance to thrive and feel the love from everyone who’s supporting us,” said Joanisse.
As the family continues to navigate this difficult journey, they are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, from both friends and complete strangers alike.
