WATCH: The campaign to fulfill a Vancouver Island woman’s FIFA World Cup dream, as she recovers from a debilitating condition. Elaine Yong has the story.
Just four months ago, 22-year-old Darbi Aitchison was a student at the University of Victoria studying kinesiology and playing soccer in her spare time. But in early March, right after a soccer game, she started experiencing a tingly and numb feeling in her extremities.
Darbi was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome, an auto-immune disorder that attacks the nervous system.
“It went downhill in a week, from being healthy to not being able to walk,” said Aitchison.
Her condition deteriorated so much she was only able to move her eyes.
After 90 days in the ICU, she slowly started getting better.
And she had a goal: to get to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Vancouver on July 5. A friend had a ticket for her, but Aitchison just needed to find a way to get there.
When the nurses in the ICU at Victoria General Hospital heard about Aitchison’s dream, they volunteered to try and make it happen.
Medi-Van donated a special vehicle to get Aitchison, her stretcher and a specialized wheelchair to the ferry. But they still need donations to cover other expenses, including wheelchair transport in the Lower Mainland.
Aitchison still has several months ahead in hospital, followed by intense rehab. So this Sunday’s final is more than just a game.
Anyone who wants to help Darbi get to this Sunday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup final at BC Place can contact Sarah Yager, the nurse at Victoria General who is organizing the trip, at ssyager@gmail.com.
-with files from Elaine Yong
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