Nancy Yan

UHNITED to make a difference!

Reason Why am I walking 5km?

 I am excited to participate in this year’s We Walk UHNITED walkathon on May 31st, 2025, and I would appreciate your support. You can contribute by donating to my page, where I have a personal goal of raising $1000, while our team, the Toronto Harmony Lions Club, aims to raise $2000.

 I will be walking 5 km around downtown Toronto to support the remarkable work of UHN. Three years ago, on May 27, 2022, I underwent emergency surgery at Toronto Western Hospital for seven hours, which transformed my life forever. 

I was diagnosed with what’s called Cervical Spondylosis and Myelopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck causing decreased blood flow to the arms and legs).

 The surgery opened up cavities in my neck, allowing blood to flow, but I was still unable to feel my legs or move my right arm and hand; my fingers curled up and could not straighten out. Needless to say, I was both shocked and saddened. I suddenly became a quadriplegic (limbs and body from the neck down affected).

 I was transferred to Lyndhurst  Spinal Rehabilitation Centre, part of UHN, it is the largest spinal cord program in Canada for people with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries and related neurological conditions.

At Lyndhurst, the doctor's prognosis indicated I wouldn't be able to walk, but halfway through my time there, I gained some strength in my right leg. I continued the exercises they gave me. I had to learn how to walk again like a baby.

During my stay at Lyndhurst, I received exceptional care from teams of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational and recreational therapists, as well as from the Assistive Technology and Social Work departments. 

I used an electric wheelchair, facing the possibility of not walking again.   Despite weaknesses in my arms, right hand, and both legs, I am determined to walk once again. I keep practicing, gradually going from wheelchairs to a walker, then to a cane. It took a while, but I am determined to walk again!

Although I can no longer engage in certain sports due to instability and weakness in my right hand and right leg,  I  cannot write with my right hand or grip /hold a glass of water, nor able to lift items.  Till now, I have a weak leg so I cannot walk normally.

All proceeds from We Walk UHNITED will support the most urgent needs of UHN,  enabling them to respond to increasing demands on our healthcare system and fund further research.

 Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of patients like me who have benefited from the exceptional care provided by UHN. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event, and let’s look forward to walking together on May 31st, 2025.