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Former HSC Patient Earns Bronze at 2024 Paralympics

October 18, 2024

Leanne Taylor triumphs in triathlon after life-altering accident

Leanne Taylor earned a bronze medal in the women’s triathlon on September 2 in Paris.

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.

Leanne Taylor and her husband Scott at HSC shortly after her accident.

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.

Leanne Taylor in her racing wheelchair while competing at a World Triathlon event.

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 the recovery of patients at HSC like Leanne Taylor, consider making a gift through our donation page, or by calling the HSC Foundation office at 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free). To make a tribute gift in Leanne Taylor’s name, select the tribute gift box on our donation page.

 

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