Background and life path:
Ayleen is a 29-year-old, committed and versatile woman who has always been at the centre of life despite health challenges. She was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease as a child, which led to repeated slipped discs. Nevertheless, Ayleen did not let it get her down. Until 2020, she was a passionate traveller, an ambitious student and worked as a swimming coach on the side. She also did voluntary work and trained as a bereavement counsellor at a hospice for children and young people.
**Health challenges:**
Over time, however, Ayleen's illness worsened, which drastically changed her life. The medical diagnosis was finally bilateral paraplegia. This diagnosis meant a huge change: she had to wait weeks for a wheelchair and her request for rehabilitation with orthoses was turned down. The doctors advised her to get used to the wheelchair for the time being and promised not to think about orthoses for another three to five years.
**A new start with C-Brace:**
But Ayleen was not discouraged. After much effort and perseverance, she finally received a permanent fitting with the C-Brace in January 2023. These sophisticated orthoses, one for each leg, enabled her to stand on her own two feet again. For Ayleen, this moment was a huge step forward, giving her back not only more mobility, but also a bit of quality of life and independence.
**Final remark:**
Ayleen's story is an impressive testimony to resilience, willpower and an unshakeable belief in her own abilities. Despite setbacks and serious health limitations, she never stopped fighting for her rights and self-determination. She is an inspiring example of how hope and progress are possible even in difficult times.
