Some major ailments are impossible to ignore. Others lurk inside us with such sneaky subtlety that we're completely caught off guard by the time they surface. There are cases like the 14-year-old athlete who thought he was suffering a simple bruise on his leg that turned out to be something much more nefarious, nearly taking his life.
When 5-year-old Eden felt pain in her back, hips, and legs, her family thought it was nothing more than sore muscles. Eden loves dancing around her home, sprinting and jumping and enjoying an active childhood. While doing a simple backbend, something countless children do every day in gym class or just for fun, something went seriously wrong. The little girl suddenly collapsed to the ground with tears flooding down her face. Her mom, Kylee, quickly came to Eden's side and attempted to calm her down. After about 30 minutes of anguish, Eden stopped crying and announced that her legs felt like they'd fallen asleep.
They rushed Eden to the hospital, where they were told the worst: she was paralyzed from the waist down. While doing the "bridge" bend, she over-extended her spine and, as a result, the artery which feeds the spinal cord ceased providing blood. Eden had to stay in the hospital for 52 days for intense treatment, but her adventurous spirit never left. She even earned the nickname "Daredevil Eden" for quickly learning wheelies in her wheelchair!
She still dreams of being a ballerina one day, and her family is doing their best to support her hopeful recovery.
Take a look below to hear from Eden and her mom. And don't forget to SHARE with your loved ones!
