Victoria Arlen was a healthy kid until 11 when she got flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, which led to paralysis from the waist down.
The cause was severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Her condition worsened fast, and she couldn’t talk, eat, or move. Doctors said she was in a vegetative state with little hope of recovery.
For four years, Victoria was trapped in her body. But her family stayed devoted and hopeful, set up a hospital room at home, and kept interacting with her. Little did they know, Victoria could hear everything.
Recovery Journey
In 2010, Victoria started coming out of the vegetative state. It began with eye contact, then small movements, and finally speaking. Despite the improvement, doctors said the damage to her brain and spinal cord was permanent—she’d never walk again.
Determined to prove them wrong, Victoria fought hard. Her journey was summed up by, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Finding Love for Swimming
In 2010, Victoria’s brothers pushed her into the family pool. Scared at first, but this helped her rediscover her love for swimming. In the water, she was free from the wheelchair and was a strong swimmer.