Daniel Robertson's Transverse Myelitis Wish

My family has been devastated by this disease as my son, Daniel, a healthy 29 year old, was blindsided by an attack of Transverse Myelitis (TM) on 09/21/10. What began as a simple backache progressed – within 24 hrs - to total paralysis from roughly the mid-chest region to his toes. Daniel’s prognosis was not good. Roughly one-third of TM victims experience no recovery and live with permanent paralysis which usually includes loss of normal bladder and bowel function. Another one-third realize a partial recovery, the extent of which can only be determined after a period of two years, while the remaining one-third achieve as much as a 90% recovery.

Daniel is among the fortunate one-third who has had a significant recovery. He is by no means back to 100%, but four months after the onset of this disease he was able to walk reasonably well and seemed to be improving in many areas. It has been a year and he still experiences pain and numbness (yes- you can have both with TM), along with fatique and bladder issues but we are optimistic that he will eventually be able to resume a normal life. We are so thankful for Daniel's progress. Many never make any progress. Children as young as 4 months old and up to 80 years old have gotten this disorder. It can happen to anyone at any time. Please donate and help us raise enough money to find a cure.