A young athlete with a promising future in sports has been left paralyzed from the neck down after being struck by a rare neurological condition.
Brooklyn Aleksic, a student and curler at the University of Victoria in Canada, was thriving both academically and athletically when her life took a sudden, devastating turn. She is also the daughter of renowned curling champion Shannon Joanisse and had recently starred in a documentary called Curl Power.
Brooklyn was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. It affects only one to eight people per million each year.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by her family, Brooklyn’s symptoms appeared without warning.
“She woke up one morning unable to move,” the page reads. “She had been enjoying a great summer working at a golf course in Saskatchewan and living with family. Everything was on track—until it wasn’t.”
The disease progressed rapidly and severely, leaving Brooklyn with no sensation or movement from the chest down. She is now unable to walk, sit up, or care for herself.
“The damage to her spinal cord is extensive,” the page explains. “There is hope for some recovery, but the road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly expensive.”
Brooklyn remains hospitalized far from home and requires medical transport to a specialized rehabilitation center in Vancouver, where she can be closer to loved ones and begin her recovery process.
The fundraiser aims to help the family cope with overwhelming costs, including:
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Adaptive equipment
- 24/7 care
- Modifications to her living space and lifestyle
So far, over CAD $86,000 has been raised. The page also encourages people to consider donating blood or plasma, which may aid in Brooklyn’s treatment.
Despite her condition, Brooklyn continues to inspire those around her.
“Even in the face of these challenges, she’s still smiling, cracking jokes, and thanking every person who helps her,” her family wrote. “Her spirit is unshaken — and we’re committed to matching her strength with action.”
Brooklyn’s story has resonated across the curling and sports communities in Canada and beyond, as supporters rally behind her during this incredibly difficult time.
