Family of Woman, 32, Paralyzed After Acroyoga Accident Determined to Help Her 'Next Chapter' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Gofundme

A 32-year-old woman became paralyzed from the neck down after doing the sport she loved — now, her family and friends are doing everything they can to help.

The life-altering accident has caused her to have to move from San Diego — where she had lived for a few years — back to Chicago with her loved ones, as she is no longer able to live on her own.

Renee Smith, who created aGoFundMeto help Weiss with her medical care and rehabilitation process, tells PEOPLE that her friend has her “sights high on walking one day” as she continues therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.

“She has had sensation return to different parts of her body, which is always incredible news to hear. She will eventually leave acute care and begin outpatient therapy,” adds Smith. “This next transition is another complex step and her family is preparing for this actively.”

In the GoFundMe campaign, Weiss is described as someone with a “love for life extended to hobbies like acroyoga, Zouk dancing, hiking, yoga, learning Spanish, and world travel.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“The medical bills are astronomical," he said. “We have insurance, but caregivers and therapy, there’s no end. People we don’t even know have contributed [to the GoFundMe]. It’s just amazing.”

source: people.com