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At 24, Leanne Taylor’s life changed dramatically when a bike accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. This pivotal moment sparked a journey of resilience, leading her to discover competitive parasports and eventually become the first Canadian woman to earn a medal in the Paralympic triathlon.
In 2018, Taylor was rushed to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) for emergency surgery after a fall caused a severe spinal injury. Despite the doctor’s best efforts, Taylor was paralyzed from the belly button down.
“I genuinely feel like I received the best care, which is such a gift going forward,” she recalls.
During her rehabilitation at HSC, Taylor was introduced to a sports wheelchair, igniting her passion for parasports. “From the very beginning, HSC staff encouraged me, and I felt supported in every way,” she says.
Eight months after her accident, Taylor competed in her first triathlon. She quickly established herself in the sport, earning three victories and multiple medals in World Triathlon-sanctioned events.
Through her story, the HSC Foundation has witnessed the incredible ways adaptive sports equipment can aid a patient’s rehabilitation. Since Taylor’s stay at HSC, HSC Foundation donors purchased a sport wheelchair and hand bike for patients at the hospital through Giving Tuesday fundraising.
“HSC Foundation donors should be proud of their support, as equipment like this can profoundly impact a patient’s recovery,” says Taylor.
To support patients at HSC like Taylor, consider making a gift by calling the HSC Foundation at 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free) or visiting hscfoundation.mb.ca
