Woman shares important message after she woke up unable to move and was paralyzed within hours

Imagine waking up full of plans for the day, only to find your body won’t move. That’s exactly what happened to Brooklyn Aleksic, a vibrant 20-year-old athlete and curling star from Canada, whose life changed in just two hours.

Brooklyn, a student at the University of Victoria (UVic) and a rising talent in curling, was looking forward to a summer job at a golf course in Saskatchewan when everything took a devastating turn. One morning in June, she woke up and found herself completely paralyzed from the neck down.

Her diagnosis? A rare neurological disorder called transverse myelitis, caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. The condition struck suddenly and severely, stripping her of mobility and sensation below the chest.

Brook was ‘thriving’ before her diagnosis (GoFundMe)

“She can’t move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. Her spinal cord damage is extensive,” said her former curling coach, Diane Dezura, who launched a GoFundMe page to support Brooklyn’s recovery journey.

Despite the rapid decline, Brooklyn’s determination and positivity have stayed strong. Her family and friends describe her as smiling, cracking jokes, and thanking every single nurse and visitor she meets — even while facing the toughest battle of her life.

The Power of Plasma: A Lifesaving Appeal

One of the most important treatments Brooklyn is undergoing is plasma exchange therapy. Each plasma session requires contributions from nearly 13 donors, and by the end of her treatment cycle, she will have needed plasma from 175 generous individuals.

Brook is now receiving plasma treatments (GoFundMe)

That’s why Brooklyn is using her voice to urge Canadians to donate plasma or blood through the Brook’s Plasma Pals initiative — a heartfelt way to support not just her, but countless others in crisis.

“If you’re eligible, donating in her honour is an incredibly powerful way to help,” says a message on her GoFundMe page.

How You Can Help Brooklyn

The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise funds for essential medical needs, including:

• Wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Home care and rehab support
• Medical transportation
• Daily living support as she adjusts to her new normal

If you can donate or even just share the page, it makes a real difference. Visit Brooklyn’s GoFundMe page here.

Brooklyn’s story is not only heartbreaking but also a reminder of how quickly life can change — and how vital community support can be. Her spirit remains unshaken, and through collective action, there’s hope that one day she’ll walk and curl again.

For more on spinal cord conditions like transverse myelitis, visit trusted resources such as Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic.