A Grade 7 student from Cranbrook’s Laurie Middle School was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on September 24 after waking up paralyzed from the chest down.

Brooklyn’s family has provided an update on her recovery and condition.

Brooklyn underwent surgery in early October and doctors were successful in removing a tumour from her spine that had caused paralysis from the hips down.

Brooklyn remains in Calgary’s Alberta Children’s Hospital recovering and her stay is estimated to be two months as she undergoes rehabilitation.

Brooklyn is a Grade 7 student from Laurie Middle School who was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospitals in September after waking up one morning and not being able to move her legs. Doctors quickly discovered a tumor in her spine.

After the successful surgery Brooklyn has some movement in her right leg but no movement yet in her left leg. Doctors originally estimated a 25% chance for a full recovery. Brooklyn is in good spirits and a determined young lady. She is up and out of bed moving around and repositioning herself in a wheelchair. She is active, doing crafts within the hospital and will be starting her schooling that is offered by the hospital in the next weeks.

In early October, the community gathered for a fundraiser to assist Brooklyn and her family raising thousands of dollars through donations, silent auction and a celebrity bartending night at Dewey’s Pub.

The money raised is assisting the family with travel, rehabilitation expenses and equipment that may be needed as she continues her road to recovery. Brooklyn’s Mom Shannon, and her family are overwhelmed by the show of community support and are deeply touched by the financial assistance provided.

“Words cannot express their thanks,” stated a friend of the family. Brooklyn and her Mom are together in Calgary as this brave young girl faces each day with deep determination.

A Gofund Me account for Brooklyn, continues as her Mom is by her side in Calgary and has taken an absence from work. Support is still encouraged from the community Donations can be made through www.gofundme.com/kx577gd4 .

Or you can contact Christy Wheeldon at 250-919-5818 for information on an account that has been set up for Brooklyn at a local bank.

Lead image: Brooklyn, centre, was graciously visited by members of the Calgary Stampeders at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Pictured left to right are Randy Chevrier, Jabari Arthur, Brandon Smith and Rene Paredes. Photo submitted

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